# NTSB CHI07CA027: Cessna 172S, N380SP, Warroad, MN, November 26, 2006

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Serious injuries · Data collection · Final report
- Date: November 26, 2006, 12:00 local (18:00 UTC)
- Place: Warroad, MN
- Coordinates: 48.941387, -95.348335
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=48.9414&lon=-95.3483&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Standing](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/150) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Serious injuries
- Injuries: 1 serious, 1 uninjured; on the ground: 1 serious
- Status: Completed, report June 27, 2007
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- Parties: Federal Aviation Administration - Minneapolis FSDO
- NTSB case key (mKey): 64964
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=CHI07CA027
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/64964/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI07CA027

## Probable cause

The propeller striking the individual who was positioning the propeller in anticipation of hand-propping the engine.

## Sequence of events

In NTSB's coding before 2008 (https://www.ntsb.gov/GILS/Documents/codman.pdf).

- Propeller/rotor contact to person, standing - starting engine(s)
  - starting procedure, other person (cause)

## Analysis

The propeller struck a person preparing to hand-prop the engine.  The pilot stated that the cranking power of the airplane's battery was diminished because the airplane had been parked outside for an extended time in below freezing temperatures.  The pilot was not able to get the engine started using the electric starter.  The pilot reported that when the accident occurred he was seated in the airplane operating the engine controls.  The pilot stated that the magnetos were off and the mixture lever was positioned at idle-cutoff.  The pilot reported that as the individual positioned the propeller for the maximum leverage it "snapped [back]" due to cylinder compression and struck the person in the head.

## Factual narrative

The propeller impacted the individual preparing to hand-prop an engine.  The pilot stated that the cranking power of the airplane's battery was diminished because the airplane had been parked outside for an extended time in below freezing temperatures.  The pilot was not able to get the engine started using the electric starter.  The pilot reported that an acquaintance suggested hand-propping the engine, to which the pilot agreed.  The pilot reported that when the accident occurred he was seated in the airplane operating the engine controls.  The pilot stated that the magnetos were off and the mixture lever was positioned at idle-cutoff.  The pilot reported that as the individual positioned the propeller for the maximum leverage it "snapped [back]" due to cylinder compression.  The propeller impact fractured the individual's skull.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N380SP](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N380SP-2021-10-02), registration cancelled 2021-10-02, S/N 172S8774, built 2001 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: Cessna 172S
- Registry model: [Cessna 172S](https://openairdocs.org/model/cessna-172s) (registry code 2072439) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Lycoming I0360 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-i0360-series) (registry code 41515, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 172S8774
- Airframe hours: 2017.4
- Engines: Lycoming IO-360-L2A 180 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: No damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Registered owner: Airlake Airwerx, LLC.
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: 100 hour, November 1, 2006
- Departed: RRT, Warroad, MN
- Destination: LVN, Lakeville, MN
- Airport: RRT, Warroad International Airport

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 35; injuries: none; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, without waivers/limitations; last flight review June 1, 2006; seat: left; flight hours: 225 total, 212 in this make and model, 190 as pilot in command, 26 in the last 90 days, 10 in the last 30 days, 3 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 30° at 10 knots
- Visibility: 10 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: 1,700 ft overcast
- Temperature: 19 °F, dew point 12 °F
- Altimeter: 30.26 inHg
- Observed at: RRD

## FAA reports on this event (1)

The FAA's own accident and incident reports, matched to the aircraft by N-number and date (OpenAirDocs).

- [Accident 20061126029319A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/20061126029319A), Nov 26, 2006: Cessna 172S, Warroad, MN. (-23) Aircraft had sat outside during cold weather, (15 degrees f). Pilot ran battery down trying to start the aircraft. The magnetos and master were turned…

From the NTSB's public API. Aircraft are matched to registry aircraft by N-number and event date, checked against the reported serial number, make and model; the registry's history has gaps, so older matches can be wrong. Compare the reported make and model.

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