Accident Champion 7AC N1397E, Friday 3 July 2009

You can contribute by submitting additional or updated information.

Date:	Friday 3 July 2009
Time:	10:25 LT
Type:	Champion 7AC
Owner/operator:
Registration:	N1397E
MSN:	7AC-4959
Total airframe hrs:	4858 hours
Engine model:	Continental A&C65 SERIES
Fatalities:	Fatalities: 0 / Occupants: 1
Other fatalities:	0
Aircraft damage:	Substantial
Category:	Accident
Location:	Westminster, Maryland - United States of America
Phase:	Standing
Nature:	Private
Departure airport:	Westminster, MD (2W2)
Destination airport:	Baltimore, MD (W48)
Investigating agency:	NTSB
Confidence Rating:	Accident investigation report completed and information captured

Narrative:
The pilot stated that he attempted to start the engine by "hand-propping." The engine started briefly and then stopped. The pilot added that he then primed the engine but "forgot the throttle in the full open position." He hand-propped the engine again, and it started. The airplane began to accelerate forward and became airborne. The airplane flew down a ravine and collided into trees. The pilot stated that the accident could have been prevented if the airplane had been tied down during the engine start.

Probable Cause: The pilot's failure to properly set the throttle for start.

Accident investigation: