# NTSB CHI99LA236: Ercoupe 415-CD, N3859H, Wahoo, NE, July 18, 1999 - Type: NTSB accident investigation - Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report - Date: July 18, 1999, 14:00 local (19:00 UTC) - Place: Wahoo, NE - Coordinates: 41.209274, -96.620292 (estimated) - Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=41.2093&lon=-96.6203&mi=10 - Phase of flight: [Standing](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/150) (OpenAirDocs' grouping) - Highest injury: No injuries - Injuries: 1 uninjured - Status: Completed, report June 22, 2000 - Report: Approved by Office Director - NTSB case key (mKey): 46820 - NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=CHI99LA236 - NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/46820/pdf - Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI99LA236 ## Probable cause The pilot's improper starting technique which resulted in the inadvertent starting of the engine, with no one in the airplane. ## Sequence of events In NTSB's coding before 2008 (https://www.ntsb.gov/GILS/Documents/codman.pdf). - On ground/water collision with object, standing - starting engine(s) - ignition system,magneto - activated - starting procedure - improper, pilot in command (cause) - aircraft unattended/engine(s) running (cause) - object - hangar/airport building (contributing factor) ## Analysis The airplane sat idle for a two months prior to the accident. The pilot reported the battery had enough power to rotate the propeller through only one rotation when he attempted to start the engine. He exited the airplane to turn the propeller in an attempt to '...get the engine at the top of its compression stroke.' The pilot reported he turned off the master switch, but failed to turn off the ignition switch prior to moving the propeller. He moved the propeller one-half of a turn and the engine started. The airplane traveled down a taxiway where it contacted a hangar becoming imbedded in the hangar. ## Factual narrative On July 18, 1999, at 1400 central daylight time, an Engineering & Research 415-CD, N3895H, collided with a hangar when it inadvertently started as the pilot was pulling the propeller through, at the Wahoo Municipal Airport, Wahoo, Nebraska. The pilot was not injured. The airplane was substantially damaged. Visual meteorological conditions existed at the time of the accident. The flight was to have originated shortly after the accident. The pilot stated he was picking up his airplane after having had maintenance performed on it two months prior to this accident. He reported when he attempted to start the airplane, the battery only had enough power to rotate the propeller through one rotation. He reported he exited the airplane and was going to turn the propeller to "...get the engine at the top of its compression stroke." He reported he had done this in the past and upon using the starter again, "...the prop would have enough momentum to swing into a second rotation which was usually enough to start the engine." The pilot reported he turned off the master switch, but failed to turn off the ignition switch prior to moving the propeller. He reported he moved the propeller one- half of a turn and the engine started. The airplane traveled down a taxiway where it contacted a hangar. He reported that the impact left the airplane imbedded in the hangar door up to the wing spar. The pilot reported the accident could have been prevented had he "...[been] absolutely sure all switches [were in] the 'off' position prior to any attempt to hand-turn the prop. Better still, don't attempt to hand turn the prop without someone at the controls." ## Aircraft - Registration: [N3859H](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N3859H-2003-04-21), registration cancelled 2003-04-21, S/N 4560, built 1947 (OpenAirDocs) - Reported make and model: Ercoupe (Eng & Research Corp.) 415-CD - Registry model: [Engineering & Research 415-CD](https://openairdocs.org/model/engineering-research-415-cd) (registry code 0420304) (OpenAirDocs) - Registry engine: [Continental A&C75 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/continental-a-c75-series) (registry code 17005, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs) - Category: Airplane - Serial number: 4580 - Airframe hours: 1250 - Engines: Continental C-75-12F 75 horsepower reciprocating - Damage: Substantial damage - Flight: Personal, Part 91 - Registered owner: Robert M. Barber - Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal - Departed: AHQ - Airport: AHQ, Wahoo Municipal ## Flight crew As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names. - Pilot; age 56; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; flight hours: 194 total, 103 in this make and model, 11 in the last 90 days ## Weather - Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day - Wind: 200° at 9 knots - Visibility: 10 statute miles - Lowest ceiling: 9,000 ft broken - Temperature: 86 °F, dew point 70 °F - Altimeter: 30.00 inHg - Observed at: OMA, 34 nm away ## 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 19990718044679A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19990718044679A), Jul 18, 1999: Univar 415CD, Wahoo, NE, No damage. (-23) Pilot lost control of aircraft when it started during handprop with throttle full open. A/c ran into closed hangar door causing substantial damage to… 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. --- OpenAirDocs.org is an independent research project of [Contrail Labs](https://contraillabs.com/). It is not affiliated with the FAA or the NTSB. Source documents are U.S. government works in the public domain.