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Aircraft Moves After Manual Start, Strikes Trees (N9154B)

Odom, AR, US

On August 23, 2001, a Cessna 172 (registration N9154B) was involved in an aviation accident near Odom, AR. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: the pilot's failure to follow the proper procedures for hand-propping an airplane. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 1 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

A pilot unable to start an aircraft due to a weak battery manually rotated the propeller, starting the engine. The aircraft then moved across the airstrip and struck trees after the pilot exited and the passenger jumped out.

Incident Overview

A pilot attempted to start an airplane but was unsuccessful because of a weak battery. He stated that he moved the throttle to the closed position and exited the aircraft, leaving his passenger inside. The pilot then manually rotated the propeller, and the engine started.

Sequence of Events

After the engine started, the pilot moved away from the airplane. The airplane began moving across the airstrip. The passenger, seeing trees ahead, jumped from the airplane. Subsequently, the airplane contacted the trees and came to a stop.

Pilot's Account

The pilot added that he may have "bumped the throttle" as he was exiting the airplane.

Related events

Same aircraft family

All Cessna 172 accidents →

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 23 Aug 2001 Cessna 172 accident near Odom, AR?

A pilot unable to start an aircraft due to a weak battery manually rotated the propeller, starting the engine. The aircraft then moved across the airstrip and struck trees after the pilot exited and the passenger jumped out.

Were there any fatalities in the 23 Aug 2001 Cessna 172 accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 23 Aug 2001 involved a Cessna 172, registration N9154B, at Odom, AR.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

the pilot's failure to follow the proper procedures for hand-propping an airplane.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20010827X01783. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.