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Pilot Reports Aircraft Rolling Away After Restroom Break (N6238U)

Wasco, CA, US

On September 12, 2006, a Cessna U206G (registration N6238U) was involved in an aviation accident near Wasco, CA. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's improper decision in leaving the engine running while he left the airplane unattended. 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 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

While the pilot was in a restroom, the parked airplane rolled away, went through a fence, struck a sign, crossed two roads, and stopped near an almond orchard, sustaining wing damage.

Incident Overview

A pilot performing aerial application of sterile pink bollworms landed the airplane for a restroom break. After setting the engine to idle and engaging the parking brake, the pilot exited the aircraft. While in the restroom, the pilot heard the engine pitch change and the parking brake disengage. Exiting the restroom, the pilot observed the airplane moving across the parking ramp.

Sequence of Events

The airplane accelerated to approximately 30 mph as it departed the immediate vicinity. The pilot chased after it. The aircraft then traveled through the airport perimeter fence, struck a sign, crossed two roads, and eventually came to rest adjacent to an almond orchard.

Damage Assessment

The airplane sustained structural damage to the left wing strut and the leading edges of both wings.

Pilot Statement

The pilot reported hearing the engine pitch change and the parking brake disengage before the airplane began to move. The pilot provided no additional details about the cause of the brake disengagement.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 12 Sept 2006 Cessna U206G accident near Wasco, CA?

While the pilot was in a restroom, the parked airplane rolled away, went through a fence, struck a sign, crossed two roads, and stopped near an almond orchard, sustaining wing damage.

Were there any fatalities in the 12 Sept 2006 Cessna U206G accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 12 Sept 2006 involved a Cessna U206G, registration N6238U, at Wasco, CA.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's improper decision in leaving the engine running while he left the airplane unattended.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20060927X01406. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.