NYC95LA141

The pilot removed the airplane from a hanger and had his wife sit in the front seat. He proceeded to set the controls for an engine start. However, he said he overlooked the throttle, which was in the full open position from the previous shut down. The pilot had not briefed his wife on the use of the throttle or brakes. He then hand propped the engine. The engine started and went to full power. The airplane then traveled across the ramp and collided with a parked airplane.

On July 3, 1995, at 1730 eastern daylight time, an Aeronca 7AC, N82773, was substantially damaged during an uncontrolled taxi at the Smoketown Airport, Smoketown, Pennsylvania. The private pilot and passenger were not injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and no flight plan had been filed, for the personal flight conducted under 14 CFR Part 91.

In the NTSB Form 6120.1/2, the pilot stated that after he removed the airplane from the hanger, he had his wife sit in the front seat. He further stated:

I proceeded to get the controls (fuel, throttle, brakes, etc.) into the starting position. The only thing I over looked was the throttle position, which was in the open position. I also failed to inform my wife of her opportunity to manage the throttle during propping...I propped the engine. It fired and immediately went to full power. This cause the plane to travel to point of impact with the second plane..."

According to a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Inspector, the airplane wheels were not chocked during the start.