NTSB Factual Report

According to the pilot, she flew to the airport earlier as a passenger. She then performed a preflight, and began to start the engine. After several attempts to start the engine, she leaned the mixture setting, advanced the throttle, and attempted another start. Subsequently, the engine started and she advanced the mixture and throttle controls. The engine increased to a high rpm setting, and the airplane moved forward and to the left. The pilot further stated that she attempted to stop the airplane with the brakes; however, the pilot seat slid aft and she was unable to reach the brake pedals. The airplane impacted equipment located near the parked airplane, nosed over, and came to rest inverted which resulted in substantial damage to the fuselage, tail, and wings.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot’s loss of control on the ground during engine start, which resulted in a collision with nearby equipment. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s improper engine start procedure and improper securing of the seat.