Probable cause
The pilot’s inadequate engine hand propping procedure which resulted in the airplane’s unexpected movement and subsequent impact with a fueling station.
NTSB analysis
The pilot reported that, after refueling his airplane, that was chocked, with the parking brake set, he attempted to hand prop the engine. After the engine started and while he was walking around the back of the airplane, the engine’s rpm began to increase, and the airplane began to pivot about 90° on the left wheel. When the airplane bypassed the wheel chock, it then rolled towards a fuel station. Shortly thereafter, the airplane impacted the fuel station, which resulted in substantial damage to the right-wing strut.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for WPR21LA149 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Mar 29, 2021
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Port Townsend, Washington
- Nearest airport
- Jefferson County Intl (0S9)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Luscombe 8A
- N-number
- N28461
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 1940
- 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.