I wonder how long the starter had been u/s? Was it noted in the maintenance release? If not, why not? Why was it not fixed when the defect was first noted? Trying to save on servicing costs no doubt? If the battery was shot then a new one should have been fitted.
GA never ever changes, does it? Always someone cutting corners and risking lives. This one was a really close shave for the poor kids.
And all these stories about handstarting Barons, Chieftains etc.
According to CASA if the starter is inoperative then the aircraft is un-airworthy until the defect is rectified. For damned good reason, too. They are not designed to be started by hand because simply it is too dangerous. It is not cool, macho etc to hand start these types - it is plain stoopid!