Casualties unknown

2002-03-18: Cessna 152 (N25455) — Nas Whidbey, WA

Nas Whidbey, WA, US

On March 18, 2002, a Cessna 152 (registration N25455) was involved in an aviation accident near Nas Whidbey, WA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's improper decision to taxi behind a standing large military turbo-prop aircraft, which he knew may be performing periodic engine test runs, without first initiating communications to insure that the engine power on the standing aircraft would… This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 8 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 1781061362Data APIEditorial standards

A Cessna 152 was flipped onto its back by propwash from a large military turboprop aircraft while taxiing behind it at an airport. The turboprop's engines were advanced to high power as the Cessna attempted to pass.

Incident Overview

A Cessna 152 was overturned by propwash from a large military turboprop aircraft during taxi operations. The pilot of the Cessna had received clearance from the tower to taxi into position and hold for takeoff. The pilot was aware that the military aircraft ahead might be conducting periodic engine runs.

Sequence of Events

As the Cessna pilot prepared to taxi past the military turboprop, two of the turboprop's four engines were advanced to a high power setting. The resulting propwash struck the Cessna 152, flipping it onto its back. The crew of the military turboprop, who were monitoring the ground frequency, were not aware that another aircraft was taxiing behind them after being cleared by the tower to taxi into takeoff position and hold.

Communication

The Cessna pilot did not initiate communications to positively ascertain the power settings of the turboprop's engines before attempting to taxi past. No radio calls were made to confirm the engines' status.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20020328X00420. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.