What happened
The incident occurred while the pilot was taxiing an aircraft in preparation for takeoff. As the aircraft moved along the ground, the pilot's seat unexpectedly slid rearward. This movement caused the pilot to lose directional control of the aircraft. The out-of-control aircraft then collided with two other parked aircraft.
The investigation
Following the collision, the pilot provided an explanation for the loss of control. She stated that upon entering the aircraft, she had moved her seat to the full forward position. However, she acknowledged that the seat locking mechanism was not properly engaged before taxiing began. The lack of engagement allowed the seat to slide backward under the forces of acceleration and vibration.
The collision resulted in substantial damage to both affected aircraft. One of the damaged aircraft was identified as a Beech A-36. The other aircraft involved in the collision was a Cessna 182. The pilot's own aircraft sustained damage from the impact, though specific details on its airframe were not detailed beyond the loss of control.
Findings
The primary factor contributing to this accident was the failure to properly secure the pilot's seat. By not ensuring the locking mechanism was engaged, the pilot allowed her position to shift during taxi operations. This shift prevented effective control of the aircraft's direction, leading directly to the collision with the stationary Beech A-36 and Cessna 182.
Safety message
Pilots must ensure that all adjustable seats are fully forward or to a comfortable position and that the locking mechanism is securely engaged before moving the aircraft. Failure to do so can result in loss of control during critical phases such as taxiing.