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Uncontrolled Roll After Owner Started Engine (N2FJ)

Santa FE, NM, US

On September 22, 1991, a Piper PA-31T-620 (registration N2FJ) operated by Brazos Roofing Intl., Inc. was involved in an aviation accident near Santa FE, NM. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The owner, who was not a certificated pilot, started the right engine while the airplane was parked, leading to an uncontrolled roll after the chock was removed. 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 2026-06-19Data APIEditorial standards

A pilot attempted to remove a nosewheel chock while the owner had already started the right engine, resulting in an uncontrolled roll into two parked aircraft.

What happened

The incident occurred when a pilot approached the airplane and observed that the owner had already initiated the start sequence for the right engine. The owner was not a certificated pilot but had received some flying instruction. In preparation for departure, the pilot removed the nosewheel chock from under the landing gear. Shortly thereafter, the airplane began to move on its own. The pilot attempted to push against the airframe to stop it, but the effort was unsuccessful. The aircraft continued to roll until it collided with two other parked airplanes.

Findings

The uncontrolled movement was directly linked to the engine start sequence initiated by a non-certificated individual while the aircraft was still on the ground without adequate restraint or pilot control.

Probable cause

The owner, who was not a certificated pilot, started the right engine while the airplane was parked, leading to an uncontrolled roll after the chock was removed.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 22 Sept 1991 Piper PA-31T-620 accident near Santa FE, NM?

A pilot attempted to remove a nosewheel chock while the owner had already started the right engine, resulting in an uncontrolled roll into two parked aircraft.

Were there any fatalities in the 22 Sept 1991 Piper PA-31T-620 accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 22 Sept 1991 involved a Piper PA-31T-620, registration N2FJ, operated by Brazos Roofing Intl., Inc., at Santa FE, NM.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The owner, who was not a certificated pilot, started the right engine while the airplane was parked, leading to an uncontrolled roll after the chock was removed.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001212X18089. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.