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Aircraft Collides with Parked Cars After Unexpected Engine Start (N2891F)

Frederick, MD, US

On August 1, 1990, a Cessna 182J (registration N2891F) operated by Bruce D. Lisle was involved in an aviation accident near Frederick, MD. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: FAILURE OF THE PILOT TO ASSURE THAT THE MAGNETO (IGNITION) SWITCH WAS IN THE PROPER POSITION. A FACTOR RELATED TO THE ACCIDENT WAS: PARTIAL FAILURE OF THE MAGNETO SWITCH, WHICH ALLOWED THE KEY TO BE REMOVED, THOUGH THE SWITCH WAS NOT IN THE 'OFF' POSITION. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 1 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

A pilot attempted to manually rotate the propeller on an aircraft with a starting issue, causing the engine to start unexpectedly. The passenger reportedly advanced the throttle in panic, leading to a collision with two parked cars.

Incident Summary

A pilot and a passenger were on board an aircraft when the starter failed to rotate the engine past the first power stroke. The pilot deplaned while the passenger remained aboard. According to the pilot, the magneto switch, master switch, and mixture control were all in the 'off' position, the throttle was at idle, and the key had been removed from the magneto switch.

Pilot Account

The pilot stated that he attempted to turn the engine past the compression stroke by rotating the propeller manually. As he did so, the engine started.

Passenger Account

The passenger reported that when the engine started, she panicked and likely advanced the throttle. The aircraft then began moving and collided with two parked cars.

Post-Accident Examination

An examination of the aircraft revealed that the ignition (magneto) key could be removed from the magneto switch regardless of the switch's position.

Related events

Same operator

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1 Aug 1990 Cessna 182J accident near Frederick, MD?

A pilot attempted to manually rotate the propeller on an aircraft with a starting issue, causing the engine to start unexpectedly. The passenger reportedly advanced the throttle in panic, leading to a collision with two parked cars.

Were there any fatalities in the 1 Aug 1990 Cessna 182J accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1 Aug 1990 involved a Cessna 182J, registration N2891F, operated by Bruce D. Lisle, at Frederick, MD.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

FAILURE OF THE PILOT TO ASSURE THAT THE MAGNETO (IGNITION) SWITCH WAS IN THE PROPER POSITION. A FACTOR RELATED TO THE ACCIDENT WAS: PARTIAL FAILURE OF THE MAGNETO SWITCH, WHICH ALLOWED THE KEY TO BE REMOVED, THOUGH THE SWITCH WAS NOT IN THE 'OFF' POSITION.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001212X23899. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.