On September 1, 1998, a Cessna 172G (registration N5797R) was involved in an aviation accident near Leesburg, FL. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's decision to leave the engine running with no one at the controls as he exited the aircraft to check for wheel chocks in place. This resulted in the aircraft moving uncontrolled and eventually colliding with a fence. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
After the aircraft would not move during taxi, the pilot exited with the engine running. The aircraft began moving, and the pilot could not re-enter due to propeller blast, leading to an uncontrolled taxi and collision with a fence.
Event Description
During an attempted taxi for takeoff, the pilot found that the aircraft would not move. Leaving the engine running, he exited the aircraft to check if the wheel chocks had been left in place. As he stepped out, the aircraft began to move. The pilot attempted to re-enter the aircraft but was unable to do so because of the propeller blast.
Uncontrolled Movement
The aircraft then taxied without control, completing a 360-degree turn. It continued across a taxiway and an adjacent field before colliding with a fence.
Outcome
The sequence ended with the aircraft striking the fence. No further details about damage or injuries were provided in the source material.
Frequently asked questions
What happened in the 1 Sept 1998 Cessna 172G accident near Leesburg, FL?
After the aircraft would not move during taxi, the pilot exited with the engine running. The aircraft began moving, and the pilot could not re-enter due to propeller blast, leading to an uncontrolled taxi and collision with a fence.
Were there any fatalities in the 1 Sept 1998 Cessna 172G accident?
No fatalities were recorded in this accident.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 1 Sept 1998 involved a Cessna 172G, registration N5797R, at Leesburg, FL.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
The pilot's decision to leave the engine running with no one at the controls as he exited the aircraft to check for wheel chocks in place. This resulted in the aircraft moving uncontrolled and eventually colliding with a fence.
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