Piper PA-24-250 N6034P

Summary

On 9 January 2000 at about 19:30 local time, a Piper PA-24-250 registered N6034P was involved in an accident near Albuquerque, New Mexico, United States. 3 people were on board and one was seriously injured. The NTSB has published a probable cause for this accident; it is quoted in full below.

Date

9 January 2000 at 19:30

Classification

Accident

Location

Albuquerque, New Mexico, United States

Nearest airport

Coronado Airport (4AC)

Coordinates

35.1805, -106.5898

Aircraft

Piper PA-24-250

Registration

N6034P

Category

Airplane

Engines

1

Operator

Not recorded

Operating rule

Part 91: General Aviation

Purpose of flight

Personal

Phase of flight

Not recorded

Route

Unknown → Los Lunas

Aircraft damage

Not recorded

Weather

VMC

Light

Day

NTSB number

DEN00LA039

1 person was seriously injured.

The pilot's failure to comply with proper procedures for engine startup by failing to disengage the magneto prior to hand-turning the propeller.

Quoted verbatim from the NTSB record. This site does not paraphrase or interpret it.

Read the full NTSB narrative

The aircraft was parked on the ramp and the pilot unsuccessfully attempted to start the airplane's engine due to the cold temperature. He exited the airplane to turn the propeller to loosen it without intending to start it. He neglected to turn off the magnetos. The engine started and the pilot was struck in the head and the right elbow by the propeller. According to an excerpt from the starting section of the 1959 PA-24-250 Airplane Flight Manual, 'When the engine is cold (under 40 degrees F.), prime three to five strokes; if extremely cold, pull the propeller through by hand four to six times before turning on the key ignition to 'left' and engaging the starter button.'

Quoted verbatim from the NTSB record.