# NTSB Accident WPR11LA487
> **PIPER J3C-65** · 2011-08-17 · Fortuna, CA, USA · SERS
## Event
- **NTSB number:** WPR11LA487
- **Event ID:** 20120228X03455
- **Type:** Accident
- **Date:** 2011-08-17
- **Location:** Fortuna, CA, USA
- **Coordinates:** 40.553611, -124.132499
## Injuries
- **Highest injury:** SERS
- **Fatal:** 0
- **Serious:** 0
- **Minor:** 0
- **Uninjured:** 2
- **Total aboard:** 3
## Aircraft
- **Make:** PIPER
- **Model:** J3C-65
- **Registration:** N3453K
- **FAR Part:** 091
- **Engines:** 1
- **Damage:** —
## Conditions
- **Light:** DAYL
- **Weather:** VMC
## Probable cause

The unexpected engine start during hand propping, which resulted in a serious injury. Contributing to the accident was the lack of communication between the pilot and the individual hand propping the engine.

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*Source: [NTSB CAROL](https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-main-public/basic-search?source=ntsb&type=event&ntsb_number=WPR11LA487) · AI Analytics · CC0 1.0*