No fatalities

Engine Start Leads to Ground Collision with Parked Aircraft

Fort Collins, CO, United States

On June 18, 2009, a CESSNA 152 was involved in an aviation accident near Fort Collins, CO. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to control the airplane after engine startup, resulting in a ground collision with a nearby airplane. This summary draws on records from NTSB; 12 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

SourcesNTSBPrimary reportUpdated 2026-08-03Data APIEditorial standards

During the first flight of the day, an airplane accelerated unexpectedly during engine start, colliding with a parked Cessna 206 and partially separating its right wing.

Incident Overview

On the first flight of the day, the pilot initiated the engine start procedure. The pilot primed the engine using the mixture control and set the throttle to a "half" position. The pilot then placed his feet on the brakes. Upon starting, the engine rpm immediately reached 2,400 rpm, and the airplane began moving forward. Despite the pilot applying the brakes and reducing the throttle, the airplane continued to accelerate.

Collision and Damage

The airplane subsequently impacted a parked Cessna 206. The collision resulted in the partial separation of the right wing of the parked aircraft.

Post-Accident Examination

An examination of the airplane's engine, carburetor, throttle assembly, and brakes revealed no anomalies.

Contributing factors

PilotPerformance/control parameters — Not attained/maintained

All Cessna 152 accidents →

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 18 Jun 2009 CESSNA 152 accident near Fort Collins, CO?

During the first flight of the day, an airplane accelerated unexpectedly during engine start, colliding with a parked Cessna 206 and partially separating its right wing.

Were there any fatalities in the 18 Jun 2009 CESSNA 152 accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 18 Jun 2009 involved a CESSNA 152, at Fort Collins, CO.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's failure to control the airplane after engine startup, resulting in a ground collision with a nearby airplane.