No fatalities

Aircraft Impacts Parked Piper During Engine Start Power Surge

Sugar Land, TX, United States

On August 24, 2009, a CESSNA 182P was involved in an aviation accident near Sugar Land, TX. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to control the airplane during engine startup, and his failure to maintain clearance from other objects. 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 engine start, a pilot experienced an unexpected power surge, causing the airplane to lurch forward. Despite turning left and reducing power, it struck a parked Piper PA-30, crushing its right wing leading edge.

Incident Overview

According to the pilot's written statement, an unexpected power surge occurred during the engine start of his aircraft. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) reported that the airplane surged forward, and the pilot was unable to stop its forward travel. Concerned about hitting an adjacent hangar, the pilot turned the airplane left while reducing power. The airplane then collided with a parked Piper PA-30 aircraft.

Damage Details

The FAA noted that a 30-inch span of the right wing's leading edge on the Piper PA-30 was crushed aft, bending two ribs. The pilot's aircraft, engine, and brakes were examined after the incident, and no anomalies were found.

Investigation

No mechanical or system defects were identified in the post-incident inspection of the airplane, engine, or brakes. The pilot's account of the power surge during engine start was the only reported anomaly.

Contributing factors

PilotSurface speed/braking — Not attained/maintainedResponse/compensation