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Airplane Strikes Fence and Parked Vehicle During Engine Start (N6634J)

Arlington, TX, US

On June 19, 1996, a Piper PA-28-180 (registration N6634J) was involved in an aviation accident near Arlington, TX. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: inadequate instruction by the flight instructor (CFI), and his inadequate supervision of the dual student. Factors relating to the accident were: the student pilot's failure to understand or select the normal (hand) brakes. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 4 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

During a student pilot's first lesson in an airplane equipped only with a hand brake, the aircraft rolled forward and left after engine start, striking a fence and a parked vehicle.

Accident Details

The accident occurred during a student pilot's first lesson in an airplane that was equipped with only a hand brake. The student pilot was not aware that the airplane lacked toe brakes. Previous airplanes flown by the student had been equipped with both hand brakes and toe brakes.

Start Procedure

During the start procedure, the certified flight instructor (CFI) read the checklist, which included the item "set brakes." The student responded "brakes" and applied pressure on the upper portions of the rudder pedals. The throttle was set at one-half open.

Collision

When the engine started, the airplane rolled forward and to the left toward a fence. The instructor applied full aft yoke, right rudder, and hand braking. Despite these inputs, the airplane struck a fence and a parked vehicle.

Related events

Same aircraft family

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Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 19 Jun 1996 Piper PA-28-180 accident near Arlington, TX?

During a student pilot's first lesson in an airplane equipped only with a hand brake, the aircraft rolled forward and left after engine start, striking a fence and a parked vehicle.

Were there any fatalities in the 19 Jun 1996 Piper PA-28-180 accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 19 Jun 1996 involved a Piper PA-28-180, registration N6634J, at Arlington, TX.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

inadequate instruction by the flight instructor (CFI), and his inadequate supervision of the dual student. Factors relating to the accident were: the student pilot's failure to understand or select the normal (hand) brakes.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001208X05981. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.