Waco UPF-7 N32132

Summary

On 4 July 2009 at about 16:00 local time, a Waco UPF-7 registered N32132, operated by OBX Air Tours, was involved in an accident near Manteo, North Carolina, United States. 3 people were on board and 3 had minor injuries. The aircraft was substantially damaged. The NTSB has published a probable cause for this accident; it is quoted in full below.

Date

4 July 2009 at 16:00

Classification

Accident

Location

Manteo, North Carolina, United States

Nearest airport

Dare County Regional Airport (MQI)

Coordinates

35.9189, -75.6956

Aircraft

Waco UPF-7

Registration

N32132

Category

Airplane

Engines

1

Operator

OBX Air Tours

Operating rule

Part 91: General Aviation

Purpose of flight

Other Work Use

Phase of flight

Not recorded

Route

Manteo → Manteo

Aircraft damage

Substantial

Weather

VMC

Light

Day

NTSB number

ERA09CA375

3 people had minor injuries.

The pilot's improper decision to exit the airplane, with the engine operating. Contributing to the accident was the inadvertent throttle movement by the passenger.

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

Read the full NTSB narrative

The pilot was giving scenic rides in the vintage airplane. The airplane was parked on the ramp, with the engine operating, and two passengers seated in the front seat. The pilot stated that he set the parking brake, and exited the airplane to secure a baggage latch, when one of the passengers "bumped" the throttle. The passenger seated in the left front seat stated that he and his wife were escorted to, and seated in the airplane, while the pilot was talking with a passenger from the previous flight. He further stated that he was in the airplane for a few seconds, when he turned, and then heard the engine sound increase. The airplane accelerated across the ramp, and struck a parked airplane. Damage to the airplane consisted of bent left wing struts with the upper left wing bent downward approximately 30 degrees, and a bent left aileron. The passenger further stated that he did not receive any pre-boarding instructions or a pre-flight briefing. Examination of the airplane by a Federal Aviation Administration inspector did not reveal any preimpact mechanical malfunctions. It was noted that the engine controls were located on the left side wall of the cabin.

Quoted verbatim from the NTSB record.