I just found out today that one of our newer guys had a serious accident Sunday at the field. It was one of those things, like most, that was the result of a number of bad decisions. His plane has a Saito four stroke, at least a 91 size, but maybe a bit larger. The guy never flys without twisting the needle valves a few times, not every day, but every flight. Problem 1. He had his stand set up, but there wasn't really any restraint to hold the plane. Problem 2. He had just finished his needle ritual and went to idle and was reaching to pick up the plane to take it to the flight line. He hit the throttle stick on something and the Satito being what it is, jumped to full power. Problem 3. As he was in front of the plane at this time, panic set in and he decided to stall the engine by grabbing the spinner. He missed. Hopefully, he will have use of his three damaged fingers in six months.

I'm posting this in the beginners forum as there are real lessons to be learned here. If you start your engine, make sure the plane is fully secured. There are many ways, but the loose fitting light weight plastic stands isn't one of them. A setup with PVC pipe securing the wings and preventing the plane from lunging forward is one way to go. My self, I use a parachute cord looped through the slats on our ready tables and around the tail fins. The only problem with my method is that if on chance the plane starts in reverse, there isn't anything to keep it from backing up. At the least have a buddy manualy restrain the plane.

Next, do your work on a running engine from behind it. That goes for picking up your plane while the engine is running also. Stay behind the turning prop.

Last, in his situation, it would have been better to jump to the side and let the plane crash off the stand. NEVER GRAB FOR A TRUNING SPINNER. NEVER.

Don