Brainard Airport, Connecticut – September, 1928
In early September of 1928, (exact date unknown), a 21-year-old mechanic for Interstate Airways at Brainard Airport was working on a plane, which he started by himself with the throttle set on “open”. Once started, the unmanned aircraft pulled away from him and it was reported that “it was only prevented from taking off without a pilot by striking a fence.”
The accident was investigated by Sergeant George Pranaitis, state aviation inspector, who found negligence with the mechanic, who was fined $25 and costs in court for “starting an airplane with an open throttle”.
It was stated that this was believed to be the first case of its kind.
The type of aircraft was not stated.
Source: New Britain Herald, “Starts Plane With Open Throttle; Fined”, September 11, 1928, page 7.
