N9154B

On August 23, 2001, at 1030 central daylight time, a Cessna 172 airplane, N9154B, was substantially damaged when it impacted trees during taxi at a private grass airstrip near Odom, Arkansas. The airplane was registered to and operated by the pilot. The private pilot was not injured and his one non-pilot rated passenger sustained minor injuries. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and no flight plan was filed for the 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight. The local flight was originating at the time of the accident.

According to the pilot, he attempted to start the airplane; however, he was unsuccessful due to a weak battery. He stated that he moved the throttle to the closed position and exited the airplane. His passenger remained in the airplane. He rotated the propeller manually and the engine started. He then moved away from the airplane; however, the airplane began moving across the airstrip. The passenger saw trees and jumped from the airplane. Subsequently, the airplane contacted the trees and came to a stop. The pilot added that he may have "bumped the throttle" as he was exiting the airplane.

According to the pilot, the wings were folded aft and the engine and propeller were damaged.