Pilot Suffers Minor Injuries, Cessna Skylane Severely Damaged

A Cessna 182 (file photo, right) got away from its pilot at Centennial Airport in Denver Monday when a hand-prop attempt got out of hand.

73-year-old Richard Steinmier had attempted to start a 1978 Cessna Skylane, but found the battery dead. Arapahoe County Sheriff's officers report that Steinmier left the ignition switch on and attempted to hand-prop the 182, but when it started, it got away from him. He tried unsuccessfully to climb back into the cockpit, but instead the airplane traveled about 1000 feet across the airport apron, crossed an active runway, and hit a few signs before eventually flipping over onto its back. No one else was on board at the time.

Television station KDVR reports that the South Metro Fire and Rescue squad responded to the incident, but there was no fire and Steinmier suffered only minor injuries. He was treated at the scene. The Skylane was considered a total loss.

It's part of flight training 101. Never turn a prop with the ignition hot unless there is another pilot rated for the airplane on board holding the brakes, and then only after specific instruction in the technique.

FMI: www.ntsb.gov