Probable cause
The pilot's failure to adequately secure the airplane while hand-starting the engine.
NTSB analysis
The pilot reported, prior to starting the engine in preparation for flight, he verified the throttle position and chocked the right main landing gear by using his foot. After the pilot started the engine via hand turning the propeller, the engine immediately went to a high RPM. The pilot attempted to hang onto the airplane in order to regain control and decrease the throttle, however, he was unsuccessful. The unoccupied airplane then struck a parked helicopter and a fuel station kiosk before coming to a stop. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the right wing and fuselage. The pilot reported no preimpact malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation..
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for WPR14CA332 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Aug 8, 2014
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Apple Valley, California
- Nearest airport
- Apple Valley (APV)
- Highest injury
- Minor
- Minor injuries
- 1
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Aeronca 7AC
- N-number
- N12DF
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 1946
- Damage
- Substantial
- Operating rule
- Part 91 (general aviation)
- Purpose of flight
- Personal
Other records under this N-number
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.