Casualties unknown

2002-05-08: Cessna 152 (N67975) — Sacramento, CA

Sacramento, CA, US

On May 8, 2002, a Cessna 152 (registration N67975) was involved in an aviation accident near Sacramento, CA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Failure of the pilot to ensure the seat was set properly prior to engine start, and not using the parking brake when adjustment of seat was necessary, which resulted in the inadvertent deactivation of the brakes and subsequent collision with the fuel trucks. 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

During taxi for takeoff, a pilot lost control when her seat slid rearward, preventing her from reaching the brakes. The airplane struck two parked fuel trucks.

Incident Overview

An airplane collided with two parked fuel trucks while taxiing for takeoff. The pilot reported that she had started the engine after fueling and was holding the brakes. Feeling a need to move her seat forward slightly, she grabbed the dashboard with one hand and released the seat lock with the other. The seat then slid all the way back on its tracks, causing her feet to come off the pedals.

Sequence of Events

With her feet no longer on the pedals, the airplane began to move forward. The pilot could not reach the pedals to stop or slow the aircraft. Her passenger, who had no prior flight experience, attempted to assist by pushing on the bottoms of the pedals rather than the tops, which would have activated the brakes. Before the pilot could take further corrective actions, the airplane taxied into two parked fuel trucks.

Aftermath

The aircraft sustained damage from the collision with the fuel trucks. The investigation did not specify any injuries or fatalities.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20020510X00661. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.