Unoccupied Aircraft Taxi and Impact in Wet Field

Casualties unknown • Galveston, TX, US

An aircraft moved forward under its own power after the pilot disconnected external power, eventually taxiing into a ditch in a wet field.

What happened

The pilot had operated the aircraft four days before the accident. Following that previous flight, the electrical master switch was inadvertently left in the ON position, which caused the battery to discharge.

To facilitate an engine start for the current flight, the pilot connected external electrical power to the exterior battery receptacle. After boarding the aircraft and starting the engine, the pilot set the engine RPM to a low setting. The pilot then exited the aircraft to remove the external power source and the wheel chocks. Immediately after the chocks were removed, the aircraft began moving forward. The pilot attempted to stop the movement, but was unsuccessful. The unoccupied aircraft continued to taxi across the airport and into a wet field, where it impacted a small ditch. There were no injuries reported.

Findings

The investigation determined that the battery had been discharged due to the electrical master switch being left on following a flight four days prior.

Probable cause

The aircraft moved forward under power after the pilot removed the wheel chocks while the engine was running at a low RPM setting.

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Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2001-11-15 Piper PA-32-300 accident near Galveston, TX?

An aircraft moved forward under its own power after the pilot disconnected external power, eventually taxiing into a ditch in a wet field.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2001-11-15 involved a Piper PA-32-300, registration N60TT, at Galveston, TX.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The aircraft moved forward under power after the pilot removed the wheel chocks while the engine was running at a low RPM setting.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20011121X02285. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.

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