Casualties unknown

1982-03-18: Piper J3C-65 (N40627) — Oakwings, Inc. — Bayport, NY

Bayport, NY, US

On March 18, 1982, a Piper J3C-65 (registration N40627) operated by Oakwings, Inc. was involved in an aviation accident near Bayport, NY. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot accidentally caught his coat sleeve on the throttle while reaching forward, causing the throttle to be pushed forward and the aircraft to move. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 1781061362Data APIEditorial standards

An aircraft moved forward after the pilot's coat sleeve inadvertently pushed the throttle, leading to a propeller strike on a nearby Cessna 172's wing tip, causing substantial damage.

Incident Description

A ground collision occurred between two aircraft in a parking area. The pilot of aircraft N40627 had taxied into the parking area and stopped facing a Cessna 172, registered N7909G. While the pilot of N40627 was sitting in the aft seat, he reached forward and accidentally caught his coat sleeve on the throttle. This action pushed the throttle forward. As a result, N40627 moved forward, and its propeller struck the wing tip of the Cessna 172. The wing tip of the Cessna sustained substantial damage.

Damage

The wing tip of the Cessna 172 (N7909G) was substantially damaged. No other damage is reported.

Sequence of Events

The pilot of N40627 had just completed taxiing and stopped in the parking area. While seated in the aft seat, the pilot reached forward, and his coat sleeve inadvertently caught the throttle, advancing it. The unintended throttle input caused N40627 to lurch forward, leading to the propeller contacting the wing tip of the parked Cessna 172.

Investigation

The incident was investigated, and the circumstances were documented. The cause was identified as the pilot accidentally catching his coat sleeve on the throttle while reaching forward.

Probable cause

The pilot accidentally caught his coat sleeve on the throttle while reaching forward, causing the throttle to be pushed forward and the aircraft to move.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20020917X02573. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.