NTSB Factual Report

The student pilot reported that, while hand-propping the engine, the engine started at full power, and the airplane jumped over the chocks and began moving in circles. Subsequently, to stop the airplane, an airport vehicle was driven into the airplane's tail.

The airplane sustained substantial damage to the fuselage.

The student reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.

The student recommended that better control of the throttle could have prevented the accident.

NTSB Probable Cause

The student pilot’s use of an improper engine hand-propping procedure, which resulted in the airplane’s unexpected movement.