This isn't exactly a beginers problem, but one they should be aware of.

We have a newer member who is deaf. Turns out he is one of the better pilots at the field. He does a complete check list before flying. He has two problem areas due to his hearing. One is that it is dificult for him to judge the engine rpm on approach so he sometimes lands quite hot. The other is starting his engine and here, he tends to keep the starter on the spinner until he senses that the engine is running. I put myself in his shoes and I don't know how I would do differnt.

Today, he was ready to maiden a new biplane, a Christan Egale. He flys 90 size and above. He got it ready and started it on the line. Myself and one other guy were doing the hold down assistance. The engine wasn't quite right on turn and we made a couple needle adjsutments. It became harder to start and after the last adjustment, it started and very quickly gained RPM. With the starter still firmly presed to the spinner. There was a loud KWhappp and the starter, hands attached, lunged into the prop. I saw something go balistic in the process. I was trying to ask him if he was OK and it turns out he was, when KWhapp again, the the starter hub hit the tarmac abuout 10 feet away. It must have been airborne close to 10 to 15 seconds it seemed. What happened was the lock nut had come loose and the engeine spun the starter hub off it's shaft, the prop hit it and launched it and then the the starter motor got caught in the prop stopping the engine.

WOW, no blood, not broken bones. No real damage other than to a new 15" prop.

I would never have thought to check the lock nut for tightness. Maybe that would be a good item to add to the monthly check list.


Don