AERONCA 7AC
Apple Valley, CA — August 8, 2014
Event Information
| Date | August 8, 2014 |
| Event Type | ACC |
| NTSB Number | WPR14CA332 |
| Event ID | 20140810X22316 |
| Location | Apple Valley, CA |
| Country | USA |
| Coordinates | 34.57528, -117.18611 |
| Airport | APPLE VALLEY |
| Highest Injury | MINR |
Aircraft
| Make | AERONCA |
| Model | 7AC |
| Category | AIR |
| FAR Part | 091 |
| Aircraft Damage | SUBS |
Conditions
| Light Condition | DAYL |
| Weather | VMC |
Injuries
| Fatal | 0 |
| Serious | 0 |
| Minor | 1 |
| None | 0 |
| Total Injured | 1 |
Event Location
Probable Cause
The pilot's failure to adequately secure the airplane while hand-starting the engine.
Full Narrative
The pilot reported, prior to starting the engine in preparation for flight, he verified the throttle position and chocked the right main landing gear by using his foot. After the pilot started the engine via hand turning the propeller, the engine immediately went to a high RPM. The pilot attempted to hang onto the airplane in order to regain control and decrease the throttle, however, he was unsuccessful. The unoccupied airplane then struck a parked helicopter and a fuel station kiosk before coming to a stop. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the right wing and fuselage. The pilot reported no preimpact malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation..
About This NTSB Record
This aviation event was investigated by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). NTSB investigates all U.S. civil aviation accidents to determine probable cause and issue safety recommendations to prevent future accidents.