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Airplane Rolls Into Collision After Pilot Sets Transponder Code (N1420S)

Hartford, CT, US

On February 9, 2000, a Cessna 182P (registration N1420S) was involved in an aviation accident near Hartford, CT. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to maintain a visual lookout. 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 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

A pilot taxied to a building, loaded a passenger, then started the engine. While setting the transponder, the airplane rolled 60 feet and collided with an object, releasing gasoline.

Sequence of Events

The pilot taxied the airplane from the north side of a building to the south side. He set the parking brake and secured the engine to load a passenger and baggage. After starting the engine, while the passenger was searching for a pair of sunglasses, the pilot looked down to set the transponder code. With the engine at low rpm, the airplane rolled approximately 60 feet. Neither the pilot nor the passenger was aware of the movement until the collision.

Post-Collision Actions

Following the collision, a 'shower' of gasoline was observed. The pilot initially thought the liquid was water. He secured the electrical master switch and released the parking brake with the intention of pushing the airplane backward. Once outside, the pilot recognized that the liquid was gasoline, so no attempt was made to move the airplane. After the accident, a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) inspector set the parking brake and attempted to push the airplane; he could not get the airplane to roll.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 9 Feb 2000 Cessna 182P accident near Hartford, CT?

A pilot taxied to a building, loaded a passenger, then started the engine. While setting the transponder, the airplane rolled 60 feet and collided with an object, releasing gasoline.

Were there any fatalities in the 9 Feb 2000 Cessna 182P accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 9 Feb 2000 involved a Cessna 182P, registration N1420S, at Hartford, CT.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's failure to maintain a visual lookout.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001212X20552. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.