On March 21, 1990, a Cessna 172G (registration N4373L) was involved in an aviation accident near Gulf Shores, AL. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: FAILURE OF THE PILOT TO OBTAIN PROPER ASSISTANCE OR PROPERLY SECURE THE AIRCRAFT WHEN HE LEFT IT UNATTENDED WITH THE ENGINE RUNNING. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A pilot left a running airplane unattended on the ramp while helping his wife carry a banner; the airplane started moving, the pilot was dragged, and it nosed over after striking a ditch.
Incident Details
A pilot was preparing for a banner tow flight on the ramp. He left the cockpit unattended with the engine running, the parking brake set, the throttle at idle, and the left main tire chocked. While he and his wife were carrying the banner to the pickup area, the pilot noticed the airplane moving. He chased the airplane and attempted to re-enter the cockpit, but was unsuccessful. The pilot was able to turn the airplane away from a fuel storage tank before being dragged to the ground. The airplane then departed the ramp surface, contacted an adjacent ditch, and nosed over. The pilot's wife reported that the throttle may have opened up after the airplane started moving.
Frequently asked questions
What happened in the 21 Mar 1990 Cessna 172G accident near Gulf Shores, AL?
A pilot left a running airplane unattended on the ramp while helping his wife carry a banner; the airplane started moving, the pilot was dragged, and it nosed over after striking a ditch.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 21 Mar 1990 involved a Cessna 172G, registration N4373L, at Gulf Shores, AL.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
FAILURE OF THE PILOT TO OBTAIN PROPER ASSISTANCE OR PROPERLY SECURE THE AIRCRAFT WHEN HE LEFT IT UNATTENDED WITH THE ENGINE RUNNING.
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