What happened
The incident occurred while the aircraft was stationary on a wet ramp. The pilot had completed the discharge of a passenger and ensured that the brakes were set and both engines remained running. As the pilot moved aft to close the main cabin door, he exited the cockpit area.
During this egress, the pilot's left foot inadvertently struck the number one throttle lever. This contact advanced the throttle to takeoff power while the aircraft was still on the ground. The sudden application of thrust caused the airplane to move forward uncontrollably. It subsequently impacted a parked vehicle and a chain link fence located on the ramp.
The investigation
The investigation focused on the sequence of events leading to the collision. Investigators noted that the brakes were set prior to the pilot leaving the cockpit. However, the movement of the throttle was not intentional but rather a result of physical contact during exit. The wet conditions of the ramp may have contributed to the lack of traction or awareness, though the primary factor was the accidental advancement of the throttle.
Findings
The primary cause of the accident was the pilot inadvertently advancing the throttle while exiting the aircraft. This action resulted in the airplane moving forward and striking stationary objects on the ramp. The incident highlights the risks associated with leaving the cockpit area without ensuring that all controls are secure, particularly when engines are running.
Safety message
Pilots should exercise extreme caution when exiting the cockpit, especially with engines running. It is critical to ensure that throttle levers are secured and cannot be accidentally moved during egress or ingress. Awareness of foot placement and control sensitivity is essential to prevent similar incidents.