Investigation number
198900245
Occurrence date
Location
Wyloo Station (130km West Tom Price)
Report release date
Report status
Final
Investigation type
Occurrence Investigation
Investigation status
Completed
Occurrence class
Accident
Highest injury level
None

The pilot proposed to conduct a flight around the Station windmills. His attempt to start the aircraft was unsuccessful owing to the battery condition. He turned the ignition and master switches OFF and proceeded to hand swing the propeller. As he turned the propeller, the engine fired. The throttle had been left half opened , the park brake was not engaged and the aircraft was not chocked. The aircraft moved rapidly and the pilot was unable to gain access to the cockpit. The aircraft passed through a fence and subsequently came to rest in a clump of trees. No defect was discovered to explain how the engine could start with the ignition and master switches selected OFF.

Aircraft Details
Manufacturer
Cessna Aircraft Company
Model
172
Registration
VH-IVU
Serial number
R1722719
Operation type
Aerial Work
Departure point
Wyloo Station WA
Departure time
N/A
Destination
Wyloo Station WA
Damage
Substantial