Primary finding
Probable cause
The pilot’s improper use of throttle and brakes during engine start that resulted in a loss of control and impact with a hangar.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The pilot of the airplane reported that, following a preflight inspection, he advanced the throttle to full to prime the engine and neglected to retard the throttle prior to engine start. Subsequently, the engine started with a full throttle power setting and began to taxi forward. While attempting to apply brakes and retard the throttle to idle, the airplane veered left and impacted a hangar. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the right wing. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.