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RV9A - ASN Report - N26AJ

well, this happens from time to time with the wife in the cockpit and hand propping the engine. reminds me of this event. https://youtu.be/cn7EN1RlVRw?si=aYDHxiOEwBRwKS4k

https://asn.flightsafety.org/wikibase/548095

During startup on ramp, battery died. Pilot went out to remedy the situation and handcrank while his wife stayed in the acft on the brakes. The acft cranked over at full throttle, but the pilot managed to get back in the acft in an attempt to stop. Acft impacted the terminal building, resulting in broken glass and damage to stone facade. Pilot had was conscious and walking with injuries to the head and leg, wife had no injuries.

RV9A - Final Report - N26AJ

Well, a simple hand prop ended up totaling the aircraft. I’m sure his passenger wasn’t impressed. How about using a set of chocks to prevent this?

https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/ ... 201743/pdf

https://youtu.be/BgLj4sii7U8?si=K0Yz95Pyu6okSnok

After a brief stopover, the engine failed to start due to a dead battery, and the pilot elected to hand prop the engine. The non-certificated passenger was instructed to apply the brakes, and the pilot successfully started the engine. However, when the engine started, the canopy inadvertently closed, which caused a headset to fall. The headset impacted the engine throttle control pushing it forward, and the engine power increased. The airplane subsequently moved uncontrolled across the ramp with the passenger onboard and impacted the terminal building. The airplane came to rest upright, and the right wing sustained substantial damage. The pilot reported that there were no pre-accident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.

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I asked Google AI how to do this safely and it was clear. Has AI gotten smarter, or have people become less intelligent?

Hey Google: Can you prop an aircraft engine?

Yes, you can start many piston-driven aircraft engines by hand-propping (spinning the propeller by hand), but it is a high-risk procedure that requires specific training and safety protocols. While common for vintage aircraft like the Piper J-3 Cub which may lack an electrical starter, it is generally discouraged for modern planes with high-compression engines or tricycle gear due to the danger of being struck or run over.

Critical Safety Rules
Never do it alone: The FAA's Airplane Flying Handbook strongly recommends having a qualified person in the cockpit to handle the brakes and throttle while you swing the prop.

Assume it’s "Hot": Always treat the propeller as if the engine could fire at any second, even if the ignition is off. A broken grounding wire (P-lead) can cause a magneto to fire unexpectedly.

Secure the plane: Use chocks on the wheels and, if possible, tie down the tail to prevent the aircraft from jumping forward upon starting.

Proper Grip: Place your palms flat on the front of the blade or use only your fingertips over the edge. Never wrap your fingers around the back of the propeller; if the engine backfires, it could break your fingers or pull you into the spinning arc.