On July 27, 1998, a DE Havilland DH-8-202 (registration N449YV) operated by Mesa Air Group, Inc. was involved in an aviation accident near Telluride, CO. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The chocks were too small, and the minimal weight on the nose wheel where the chocks were placed was not sufficient to ensure that the nose wheel would not roll over the chocks. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
During pre-start preparation, a Bombardier DH-8 aircraft jumped its nose wheel chocks and rolled backwards into a parked Beech 1900. The investigation found the chocks were too small and insufficient nose wheel weight.
Incident Overview
While parked nose-in on a 2-degree up-slope, a Bombardier DH-8 aircraft began pre-start preparation. The nose wheel chocks were in place, but the aircraft jumped the chocks and rolled backwards approximately 70 feet, striking a parked Beech 1900.
Parking Brake System
The parking brake accumulator had bled off pressure. The crew was in the process of recharging the accumulator when the aircraft moved.
Investigation Findings
The investigation revealed that the chocks used were too small. Additionally, the minimal weight on the nose wheel, where the chocks had been placed, was not sufficient to prevent the nose wheel from rolling over the chocks.
Aftermath
The collision resulted in damage to both aircraft. No further details about injuries or operational context were provided in the source.
Probable cause
The chocks were too small, and the minimal weight on the nose wheel where the chocks were placed was not sufficient to ensure that the nose wheel would not roll over the chocks.