Probable cause
The pilot’s failure to properly secure the airplane before turning the propeller by hand.
NTSB analysis
The pilot stated that the airplane's starter had been malfunctioning for about 1 month. On the day of the accident, he unsuccessfully attempted to start the engine from inside the airplane, then exited the airplane, and turned the propeller "slowly." The pilot’s intent in turning the propeller was not to start the engine. However, the engine started unexpectedly, and the airplane traveled across the ramp and impacted a parked airplane, resulting in substantial damage.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for ERA12CA323 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- May 8, 2012
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Paducah, Kentucky
- Nearest airport
- Barkley Regional Airport (PAH)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Beech A36
- N-number
- N1819L
- Category
- Airplane
- 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.