Probable cause
The pilots decision to hand prop the airplane's engine without securing the airplane, resulting a runaway airplane and collision with a fence.
NTSB analysis
The pilot reported that he shut down the engine to reposition the airplane prior to finishing the run-up. Upon attempting to restart the engine, the airplane's battery charge was low and the engine would not start. The pilot further reported that he set the parking brake, and hand propped the engine. The airplane's engine started and the airplane began to move without the pilot on board. The airplane impacted the airport's perimeter fence, which resulted in substantial damage to both wings.
According to the pilot there were no preimpact mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airframe or engine that would have precluded normal operation.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for GAA16CA162 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Mar 26, 2016
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Homestead, Florida
- Nearest airport
- Homestead General Aviation (X51)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Piper PA24
- N-number
- N55UA
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 1959
- 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.