Accident Details
Probable Cause and Findings
THE STUDENT PILOT'S FAILURE TO MAINTAIN CONTROL OF THE AIRPLANE IMMEDIATELY AFTER ENGINE START, AND HIS DELAY IN REDUCING POWER AND APPLYING THE BRAKES.
Aircraft Information
Registered Owner (Current)
Analysis
On April 12, 1994, at 0822 hours eastern daylight time, N5962U, a Piper PA-28-140, operated by Mid Hudson Aviation Services, Milton, New York, was inadvertently taxied into two parked airplanes. The student pilot, the sole occupant, was not injured. No one on the ground was injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and a flight plan was not filed. The local instructional flight was conducted under 14 CFR 91.
According to an FAA aviation safety inspector, the student pilot had just started the engine in order to taxi the airplane for refueling. He was preparing the airplane for the FAA Private Pilot Practical Examination. The airplane's engine "raced" and the "RPM was high" immediately following engine start. The student attempted to apply the brakes, but the airplane continued to move forward, striking the engine cowling of a parked Cessna 172 with its left wing tip. The airplane then spun around and struck the tail section of a parked Cessna 182 with its propeller. The student pilot then shut down the engine.
Skid marks were found on the ramp adjacent to the airplane. No pre-impact mechanical deficiencies were found.
Data Source
Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# BFO94LA064