Accident Piper PA-28-160 N5505W, Monday 8 January 1996

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Date:	Monday 8 January 1996
Time:	11:00 LT
Type:	Piper PA-28-160
Owner/operator:	Private
Registration:	N5505W
MSN:	28-592
Year of manufacture:	1962
Total airframe hrs:	2709 hours
Engine model:	Lycoming O-320-D2A
Fatalities:	Fatalities: 0 / Occupants: 1
Other fatalities:	0
Aircraft damage:	Substantial
Category:	Accident
Location:	Decatur, TX - United States of America
Phase:	Standing
Nature:	Private
Departure airport:	(8F7)
Destination airport:	Fort Worth, TX (FTW
Investigating agency:	NTSB
Confidence Rating:	Accident investigation report completed and information captured

Narrative:
The pilot was hand-propping the airplane without a person at the controls. The airplane moved forward and the tie-down chain snapped. In an attempt to stop the airplane, the pilot jumped onto the left wing. Realizing that the wing was going to impact the windsock pole, the pilot jumped from the airplane, and the left main wheel struck the pilot. After traveling approximately 300 feet, the airplane came to rest with the left wing against the windsock. In his report, the pilot recommended having 'a qualified individual in the cockpit when attempting to prop an aircraft.'

Probable Cause: the pilot's failure to follow proper starting procedures, and an inadequate tie-down.

Accident investigation: