ORIGINAL: Villa
Have you ever started an engine when the throttle was accidentally wide open? It is rather stupid to do that so many might think they would never do that. It has happend to me 3-4 times. Having the plane strongly restrained is a must.
To make a long story short: Just a couple months ago, a guy at my field was starting his 80cc yak. He forgot to check the throttle stick and it started up on full throttle. He had it held down with a tail retraint good enough for a 50cc plane. He immediately knew when he started it by the sound that it was at full throttle. He dove out of the way just in time for his legs to miss the 28" prop. The plane pulled out of the restraints and the wing cought his leg and turned the plane around (at full throttle).... well anyways all in about 3 seconds he had a 8" long gash in his leg from the carbon fiber prop. Had there not been another guy there he would have bled to death within the hour.
Just another reminder not to fly alone and always use a restraint that will hold your plane at full throttle.
Austin