ERA11CA488

Factual narrative

The pilot stated that the airplane was in front of the hangar on the taxiway. He went through the normal pre-flight and engine start checklist. Prior to engine start, the mixture was set full rich, fuel pump set on for about 3 seconds (then off), then mixture full off, throttle at full open, and then the starter was engaged. The engine started and mixture was pushed full on. During startup, the engine went to full power, the aircraft pitched over onto the taxiway resulting in the propeller striking the ground and the airplane’s firewall incurring substantial damage. The engine was then secured and he exited the airplane uninjured. The airplane was place back onto its tail wheel and secured back into the hanger. The pilot stated, after review of the situation, it was apparent that the starting checklist was not followed accurately in that the throttle should have been set to ½ inch open for starting instead of full open, and hand placed on the throttle immediately after the mixture control was pushed in to retard the throttle after the engine started. The pilot stated that he went through the normal pre-flight and engine start checklist. To start the engine, he performed the following steps: mixture set full on (rich), fuel pump turned on for about 3 seconds (then off), mixture full off, throttle full open, and starter engaged. The engine started, and he pushed the mixture full on. The engine went to full power, and the airplane nosed down onto the taxiway, which resulted in the propeller striking the ground and the airplane’s firewall sustaining substantial damage. The pilot stated that, after review of the situation, it was apparent that he had not followed the starting checklist accurately in that the throttle should have been set to 1/2-inch open for starting instead of full open. He also stated that he should have placed his hand on the throttle immediately after the mixture control was pushed full on in order to retard the throttle after the engine started. Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database Retrieved: 2026-02-12

NTSB Findings

FAA avdata. C = Cause, F = Factor.

• C Personnel issues-Action/decision-Action-Incorrect action performance-Pilot - C