Vans RV8
Columbus, MS — February 15, 2020
Event Information
| Date | February 15, 2020 |
| Event Type | ACC |
| NTSB Number | CEN20CA087 |
| Event ID | 20200218X90855 |
| Location | Columbus, MS |
| Country | USA |
| Coordinates | 33.46444, -88.38250 |
| Airport | Columbus-Lowndes County |
| Highest Injury | NONE |
Aircraft
| Make | Vans |
| Model | RV8 |
| Category | AIR |
| FAR Part | 091 |
| Aircraft Damage | DEST |
Conditions
| Light Condition | DAYL |
| Weather | VMC |
Injuries
| Fatal | 0 |
| Serious | 0 |
| Minor | 0 |
| None | 1 |
| Total Injured | 0 |
Probable Cause
The inadvertent engine start of the unoccupied airplane, which resulted in it moving forward and impacting a hangar and an electrical box.
Full Narrative
The pilot reported that he planned a flight in a single-engine airplane. He conducted the pre-flight and then during the start sequence, the engine's starter would not engage. He turned off the switches, set the parking brake, and exited the cockpit. He rotated the engine by turning the propeller slowly by hand, so the starter would engage. The engine started unexpectedly, and the airplane moved forward.
The airplane collided with a hangar and an electrical transformer box, and a post-impact fire ensued. The airplane was consumed by the fire, which prevented any examination of the cockpit, brakes, or electrical system.
The accident is consistent with an inadvertent engine start when the pilot rotated the propeller.
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.