Piper PA-25-180 N6319Z

Summary

On 17 September 2006 at about 17:50 local time, a Piper PA-25-180 registered N6319Z was involved in an accident near Mount Holly, New Jersey, United States. One person was on board and nobody was injured. The aircraft was substantially damaged. The NTSB has published a probable cause for this accident; it is quoted in full below.

Date

17 September 2006 at 17:50

Classification

Accident

Location

Mount Holly, New Jersey, United States

Coordinates

39.9428, -74.8458

Aircraft

Piper PA-25-180

Registration

N6319Z

Category

Airplane

Engines

1

Operator

Not recorded

Operating rule

Part 91: General Aviation

Purpose of flight

Banner Tow

Phase of flight

Not recorded

Route

Mount Holly → Woodbine

Aircraft damage

Substantial

Weather

VMC

Light

Day

NTSB number

NYC06CA225

Nobody was injured.

The pilot's improper starting procedure, which resulted in an uncontrolled taxi, and collision with a parked airplane.

Quoted verbatim from the NTSB record. This site does not paraphrase or interpret it.

Read the full NTSB narrative

After loading his equipment bag in the front seat of the airplane, the pilot pressed on each wing lift strut to verify that the brakes were set and then attempted to hand start the engine. He was able to start the engine, however; it "immediately came to full power." He then attempted to reach the cockpit, but was unable. The airplane moved forward, and struck a parked airplane. Both airplanes were substantially damaged. The pilot believed that when he placed his bag in the airplane, it may have "pushed the throttle forward." According to FAA publication FAA-P-8740-20, "No one should attempt to start an aircraft engine without a qualified person at the cockpit controls."

Quoted verbatim from the NTSB record.