NTSB Factual Report

On December 28, 2008, at 1607 central standard time, a Cessna 150F was substantially damaged upon impact with trees near Palestine, Texas. The private pilot and passenger both received serious injuries. The airplane was owned and operated by the pilot. The airplane was on the ramp area of Palestine Municipal Airport (PSN), Palestine, Texas. Visual meteorological condition prevailed and no flight plan was filed for the Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight. The local flight was originating at the time of the accident.

The pilot provided a statement to the responding Federal Aviation Administration inspector as well as a completed Form 6120 to the Investigator in charge. The pilot stated that he planned on giving his 6-year old granddaughter a flight in the airplane. After the second failed attempt to start the engine, the pilot recalled turning off the ignition and master switches. With the passenger still buckled in the passenger seat, the pilot began manually turning the propeller in an effort to "limber the oil." After the third propeller rotation, the airplane's engine started. The pilot was injured as the airplane moved forward. The airplane continued to gain speed as it transversed the airport before impacting trees. The passenger was injured in the crash. The airplane sustained damage to the wing spars, fuselage and empennage.

In an interview with the responding FAA inspector, a fire fighter reported turning off the key switch (magneto switch) and the fuel shutoff during the initial response.

NTSB Probable Cause

The failure of the pilot to ensure security of the cockpit switches before rotating the propeller.