Cirrus SR22 N669HT

Summary

On 8 September 2018 at about 16:45 local time, a Cirrus SR22 registered N669HT was involved in an accident near Mason City, Iowa, United States. 2 people were on board and 2 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

8 September 2018 at 16:45

Classification

Accident

Location

Mason City, Iowa, United States

Nearest airport

Mason City Muni (MCW)

Coordinates

43.1531, -93.3361

Aircraft

Cirrus SR22

Registration

N669HT

Category

Airplane

Year built

2005

Engines

1

Operator

Not recorded

Operating rule

Part 91: General Aviation

Purpose of flight

Personal

Phase of flight

Not recorded

Route

Mason City → Unknown

Aircraft damage

Substantial

Weather

VMC

Light

Day

NTSB number

GAA18CA545

2 people had minor injuries.

The pilot’s improper hand propping procedure, which resulted in a runaway airplane and subsequent impact with a hangar.

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

Read the full NTSB narrative

The pilot reported that the battery was too low to start the engine, so he asked fixed-base operator personnel if they could assist with a jumper pack. They told him that they did not have anyone on duty authorized to assist and that he would have to wait a couple of days. He decided to start the engine by hand propping. Before he began hand propping, he set the parking brake. Following the engine start, the airplane began to move forward. The pilot attempted to re-enter the airplane to apply the brakes, but the airplane struck a hangar. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the left wing. The Federal Aviation Administration inspector who examined the airplane after the accident reported that the parking brake functioned normally. He added that the pilot stated that he was sure he set the brakes but that he may not have gotten enough pressure to hold the airplane. The Federal Aviation Administration's Airplane Flying Handbook, FAA-H-8083-3A, contained a section titled "Hand Propping" which states the following: An engine should not be hand propped unless two people, both familiar with the airplane and hand propping techniques, are available to perform the procedure. The person pulling the propeller blades through directs all activity and is in charge of the procedure. The other person, thoroughly familiar with the controls, must be seated in the airplane with the brakes set. As an additional precaution, chocks may be placed in front of the main wheels. If this is not feasible, the airplane's tail may be securely tied. Never allow a person unfamiliar with the controls to occupy the pilot's seat when hand propping. The procedure should never be attempted alone.

Quoted verbatim from the NTSB record.