What happened
The accident occurred at night on a ramp covered in snow and ice. A student pilot initiated the engine start sequence for the aircraft. Although the parking brakes had been set prior to startup, the aircraft began to move forward once the engine was running. The plane taxied into another aircraft that was parked nearby.
The investigation
Following the collision, investigators examined the braking system of the involved aircraft to determine if mechanical failure contributed to the incident. The inspection revealed no evidence of malfunction within the brake system.
Findings
The primary factor leading to the event was the slippery surface conditions of the ramp. Despite the parking brakes being engaged, the icy and snowy environment likely reduced friction, allowing the aircraft to slide when engine power was applied. The braking mechanism itself operated as designed, but could not hold the aircraft against the low-traction surface.
Safety message
Pilots operating in winter conditions must exercise extreme caution during engine start-up and taxi operations. Parking brakes alone may not be sufficient to prevent movement on icy or snow-covered surfaces. Additional measures, such as chocking wheels or using tie-downs, should be considered when parking in adverse weather.