Casualties unknown

2000-05-21: Piper PA-31T1 (N301TA) — Ralph E. Norton — Houston, TX

Houston, TX, US

On May 21, 2000, a Piper PA-31T1 (registration N301TA) operated by Ralph E. Norton was involved in an aviation accident near Houston, TX. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to maintain control of the aircraft. Factors were the partially engaged parking brake and the pilot's diverted attention to the engine instruments. 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 1781061362Data APIEditorial standards

A pilot starting the right engine of a multiengine airplane was unaware the aircraft was moving forward; it traveled 75 feet and struck a parked single-engine airplane's propeller. Post-accident examination found the parking brake incompletely engaged.

Incident Overview

A pilot reported that during a ground operation, the parking brake was set while the left engine of a multiengine airplane was running. The pilot proceeded to start the right engine. After the right engine started, the pilot checked the engine instruments and was unaware that the airplane was moving forward on the ramp.

Sequence of Events

The airplane traveled approximately 75 feet forward. During this movement, the right engine impacted the propeller of a parked, unoccupied single-engine airplane. The collision occurred on the ramp, with the parked aircraft sustaining damage to its propeller.

Post-Accident Findings

A post-accident examination of the multiengine airplane revealed that its parking brake was not completely engaged. This condition allowed the airplane to roll forward despite the pilot's belief that the brake was set.

Contributing Circumstances

The pilot reported not noticing the airplane's movement while focusing on engine instruments after starting the right engine. No other factors were identified in the source.

Damage Assessment

The incident resulted in physical contact between the multiengine airplane's right engine and the propeller of the parked single-engine airplane. The source does not specify the extent of damage to either aircraft.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001212X20998. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.