# NTSB NYC91LA065: Piper PA-32-301, N8385S, Celina, OH, January 24, 1991

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: January 23, 1991, 21:00 local (Jan 24, 1991, 02:00 UTC)
- Place: Celina, OH
- Coordinates: 40.550537, -84.569984 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=40.5505&lon=-84.5700&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Standing](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/150) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 1 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report May 7, 1993
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 36871
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=NYC91LA065
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/36871/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC91LA065

## Probable cause

THE PILOT-IN-COMMAND'S IMPROPER USE OF THE POWERPLANT CONTROLS, MAGNETOS AND BRAKES.

## Sequence of events

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

- Miscellaneous/other, standing
  - powerplant controls - improper use of, pilot in command (cause)
  - aircraft unattended/engine(s) running - improper, pilot in command (cause)
  - brakes(normal) - not used, pilot in command (cause)
- On ground/water collision with object, taxi
  - object - building(nonresidential) (contributing factor)

## Analysis

THE PILOT ATTEMPTED TO START THE AIRPLANE ENGINE WITH NEGATIVE RESULTS. HE EXITED THE AIRPLANE WITHOUT SETTING THE PARKING BRAKE, TURNING THE MAGNETOS OFF, AND ENSURING THE THROTTLE WAS IN THE IDLE POSITION. THE PILOT ATTEMPTED TO TURN THE PROPELLER BY HAND AND THE ENGINE STARTED. THE AIRPLANE MOVED FORWARD UNATTENDED, CROSSED A TAXIWAY AND COLLIDED WITH A HANGAR AND A PARKED AIRPLANE.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N8385S](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N8385S), registered now, S/N 32-8106065, built 1981 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: PIPER PA-32-301
- Registry model: [Piper PA-32-301](https://openairdocs.org/model/piper-pa-32-301) (registry code 7103207) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Lycoming IO-540 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-io-540-series) (registry code 41530, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 32-8106065
- Engines: LYCOMING IO-540-K1G5 300 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: W. Bruce Kane
- Registered owner: Muncia Aviation
- Last inspection: Unknown, January 2, 2000
- Destination: AXV, WAPAKONETA, OH
- Airport: CQA, Lakefield, runway 26, 3,800 × 75 ft, asphalt

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 42; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 3, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; flight hours: 1,418 total, 1 in this make and model

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Night/dark
- Visibility: 30 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none

## 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 19910123000939A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19910123000939A), Jan 23, 1991: Piper PA32301, Celina, OH, Substantial damage. Engine started on moving prop after unable normal start. Struck hangar and aircraft. Mags on no chocks or brake set

## Other investigations on N8385S (2)

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.

- [NTSB ERA13CA123](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA13CA123), Jan 27, 2013: Piper PA-32-301 (N8385S), Lancaster, PA, substantial damage. Probable cause: The pilot’s failure to maintain clearance from a parked vehicle while taxiing from landing.
- [NTSB MKC85LA200](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MKC85LA200), Aug 31, 1985: Piper PA-32-301 (N8385S), Fredericktown, MO, substantial damage

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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