Champion Citabria 7ECA
Flight Crew Sport / Recreational
Flight Crew Last 90 Days 36; Flight Crew Total 76; Flight Crew Type 74
Other / Unknown
Ground Event / Encounter Loss Of Aircraft Control
Aircraft Aircraft Damaged
Aircraft; Human Factors
After my aircraft started up and flew itself off the ground; landed; and ground looped without me in the airplane. I inspected the airplane with several other experienced people. We determined that minimal damage occurred and the airplane was airworthy to fly it 10 miles to its home airport. I am a new pilot and first time owner of an aircraft. It is my determination that I made a bad judgment call and listened to others who may or may not have been qualified to give me information that led to me flying the aircraft home. After arriving at my home airport I had determined that extensive structural damage had occurred. I am lucky to have made it home safe and I am waiting for the insurance adjuster to come take a look at the aircraft. This was a learning lesson; and when in doubt don't rely on others who may or may not lack better judgment. This will never happen again!
Aeronca Champ 7AC pilot reported aircraft departure without pilot aboard; resulting in damage to aircraft. Damaged aircraft then flown to home airport.