# NTSB WPR14CA332: Aeronca 7AC, N12DF, Apple Valley, CA, August 8, 2014

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Minor injuries · Data collection · Final report
- Date: August 8, 2014, 08:00 local (15:00 UTC)
- Place: Apple Valley, CA
- Coordinates: 34.575279, -117.186111 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=34.5753&lon=-117.1861&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Standing](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/150) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Defining event: [Standing-engine(s) start-up: Ground collision](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/200)
- Highest injury: Minor injuries
- Injuries: 1 minor
- Status: Completed, report September 30, 2014
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB office: Western Pacific Region
- NTSB case key (mKey): 89836
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=WPR14CA332
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/89836/pdf
- NTSB docket: https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket?ProjectID=89836
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR14CA332

## Probable cause

The pilot's failure to adequately secure the airplane while hand-starting the engine.

## Findings

NTSB's coded findings; those marked are part of the probable cause.

- [Info processing/decision: decision making/judgment](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02041520): Personnel issues › Action/decision · Pilot (probable cause); cases with it: [Aeronca 7AC, 9 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02041520/cases.md?model=2110102), [All aircraft, 3,098 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02041520/cases.md)
- [Action: incorrect action selection](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02041010): Personnel issues › Action/decision · Pilot (probable cause); cases with it: [Aeronca 7AC, 2 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02041010/cases.md?model=2110102), [All aircraft, 397 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02041010/cases.md)
- [Parking/securing: tie-down/mooring](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01011020): Aircraft › Aircraft handling/service · Not specified (probable cause); cases with it: [Aeronca 7AC, 1 case](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01011020/cases.md?model=2110102), [All aircraft, 33 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01011020/cases.md)
- [Object/animal/substance: aircraft](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/03022040): Environmental issues › Physical environment · Contributed to outcome; cases with it: [Aeronca 7AC, 1 case](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/03022040/cases.md?model=2110102), [All aircraft, 116 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/03022040/cases.md)

## Sequence of events

The events NTSB coded, in order, by phase of flight. The defining event best describes what happened.

- [Prior to flight: Aircraft servicing event](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/020); cases with it: [Aeronca 7AC, 1 case](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/020/sequence.md?model=2110102), [All aircraft, 70 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/020/sequence.md)
- [Standing-engine(s) start-up: Ground collision](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/200) (defining event); cases with it: [Aeronca 7AC, 1 case](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/200/sequence.md?model=2110102), [All aircraft, 618 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/200/sequence.md)

## Analysis

The pilot reported, prior to starting the engine in preparation for flight, he verified the throttle position and chocked the right main landing gear by using his foot. After the pilot started the engine via hand turning the propeller, the engine immediately went to a high RPM. The pilot attempted to hang onto the airplane in order to regain control and decrease the throttle, however, he was unsuccessful. The unoccupied airplane then struck a parked helicopter and a fuel station kiosk before coming to a stop. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the right wing and fuselage. The pilot reported no preimpact malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation..

## Factual narrative

The pilot reported, prior to starting the engine in preparation for flight, he verified the throttle position and chocked the right main landing gear by using his foot. After the pilot started the engine via hand turning the propeller, the engine immediately went to a high RPM. The pilot attempted to hang onto the airplane in order to regain control and decrease the throttle, however, he was unsuccessful. The unoccupied airplane then struck a parked helicopter and a fuel station kiosk before coming to a stop. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the right wing and fuselage. The pilot reported no preimpact malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation..

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N12DF](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N12DF), registered now, S/N 7AC-5050, built 1946 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: AERONCA 7AC (NO SERIES)
- Registry model: [Aeronca 7AC](https://openairdocs.org/model/aeronca-7ac) (registry code 2110102) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Continental A&C65 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/continental-a-c65-series) (registry code 17003, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 7AC-5050
- Year built: 1946
- Engines: CONTINENTAL A-65-8F 65 horsepower reciprocating; CONTINENTAL A-65-8F 65 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, June 18, 2014
- Departed: APV, APPLE VALLEY, CA
- Airport: APV, Apple Valley

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 52; injuries: minor; commercial, flight instructor; airplane ratings: multi-engine land, single-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 2, with waivers/limitations; last flight review June 28, 2013; seat: none; restraint: none; flight hours: 1,390 total, 53 in this make and model, 1,222 as pilot in command, 9 in the last 90 days, 7 in the last 30 days, 0 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: calm
- Visibility: 6 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 20140808016529A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/20140808016529A), Aug 8, 2014: Aeronca 7AC, Apple Valley, CA, Substantial damage. Private flying operation. Had planned to do touch/stop and go's at the local airport. Pilot hand propped aircraft after refueling. Stated throttle had been…

## Other investigations on N12DF (1)

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 WPR26FA355](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR26FA355), Sep 24, 2026: Aeronca 7AC (N12DF), Hesperia, CA, 2 fatal, investigation ongoing

## Docket (5 files)

The files NTSB released with the investigation on September 23, 2014, on NTSB's docket system: https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket?ProjectID=89836. 3.7 MB in all.

- Pilot/Operator Aircraft Accident Report, NTSB Form 6120.1 (item 1, .PDF, 2.9 MB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40416801&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Pilot%2FOperator%20Aircraft%20Accident%20Report,%20NTSB%20Form%206120.1-Master.PDF
- Photo 1 - Aeronca fuselage damage (Photo Courtesy of Airport Management) (item 2, .PDF, 155 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40416802&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Photo%201%20-%20Aeronca%20fuselage%20damage%20(Photo%20Courtesy%20of%20Airport%20Management)-Master.PDF
- Photo 2 - Robinson R22 Damage (Photo Courtesy of Airport Management) (item 3, .PDF, 207 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40416804&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Photo%202%20-%20Robinson%20R22%20Damage%20(Photo%20Courtesy%20of%20Airport%20Management)-Master.PDF
- Photo 3 - Aeronca Right Wing Damage (Photo Courtesy of Airport Management) (item 4, .PDF, 133 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40416805&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Photo%203%20-%20Aeronca%20Right%20Wing%20Damage%20(Photo%20Courtesy%20of%20Airport%20Management)-Master.PDF
- Photo 4 - Property Damage (Photo Courtesy of Airport Management) (item 5, .PDF, 240 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40416806&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Photo%204%20-%20Property%20Damage%20(Photo%20Courtesy%20of%20Airport%20Management)-Master.PDF

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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