Probable cause
The pilot’s failure to properly secure the airplane before beginning the engine start sequence.
NTSB analysis
The pilot was turning the engine through when it started unexpectedly. He attempted to get back into the cockpit to shut the engine down but was unsuccessful. The airplane self-taxied in an arc and struck the hangar before coming to a stop. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the right wing. The pilot noted that the magneto switch was in the BOTH position when he checked it after the accident, and he did not recall turning it on.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN21LA037 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Oct 28, 2020
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Wabash, Indiana
- Nearest airport
- Wabash Municipal (IWH)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Aeronca 11AC
- N-number
- N9171E
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 1946
- 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.