Probable cause
The student pilot’s use of an improper engine hand-propping procedure, which resulted in the airplane’s unexpected movement.
NTSB analysis
The student pilot reported that, while hand-propping the engine, the engine started at full power, and the airplane jumped over the chocks and began moving in circles. Subsequently, to stop the airplane, an airport vehicle was driven into the airplane's tail.
The airplane sustained substantial damage to the fuselage.
The student reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
The student recommended that better control of the throttle could have prevented the accident.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for GAA18CA295 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- May 24, 2018
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Batavia, Ohio
- Nearest airport
- Clermont County (I69)
- Highest injury
- Minor
- Minor injuries
- 1
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Luscombe 8
- N-number
- N77922
- 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.