Probable cause
The pilot's inadequate planning, and his failure to secure the airplane prior to hand-starting the engine.
NTSB analysis
The pilot stated that he hand-started the engine by turning the propeller from behind. The airplane was not chocked, but the pilot stated he had "moved the tail wheel sideways." The engine started immediately, and the airplane collided with a utility pole, causing leading edge damage to both wings.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN20CA233 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Jun 17, 2020
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Mount Victory, Ohio
- Nearest airport
- Elliotts Landing (O74)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Piper J3C-65
- N-number
- N25702
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 1939
- Damage
- Substantial
- Operating rule
- Part 91 (general aviation)
- Purpose of flight
- Personal
From the NTSB aviation accident database: N-registered aircraft, events since 2008, data through Oct 28, 2026. The file is published monthly, so the latest weeks are incomplete and recent records can change. The official source is the NTSB aviation investigation search. CheckAero is independent and not affiliated with the NTSB.