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AhaBulb: Stuff Everyone Should Know · ahabulb.com/pilot-backfire-on-start

What is the main cause of backfiring when starting a piston airplane engine?

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  1. Too much throttle after the engine fires
  2. A low battery
  3. Leaving the fuel selector on both

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References

  1. Airplane Flying Handbook FAA-H-8083-3C Chapter 2, Ground Operations www.faa.gov/sites/faa.gov/files/regulations_policies/handbooks_manuals/aviation/airplane_handbook/03_afh_ch2.pdf Checked 2026-10-09.

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