No fatalities

Pilot Reports Taxi Incident Involving Snow Bank on Parking Ramp

Meeker, CO, United States

On January 29, 2011, a CESSNA 182 B was involved in an aviation accident near Meeker, CO. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's seat was not positioned far enough forward to allow full rudder and brake pedal activation. 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

A pilot reported a loss of directional control during taxi, resulting in the left wing and propeller striking a snow bank, causing substantial damage. The pilot cited inadequate seat positioning as a likely factor.

Incident Summary

A pilot reported that during preparation for a flight to another airport, the airplane experienced a loss of directional control while taxiing on the parking ramp. The intended maneuver was a 90-degree left turn to proceed directly toward the active runway. After applying power, the airplane began moving forward and initiated a left turn.

Sequence of Events

According to the pilot, after the airplane reached the desired heading, he applied right rudder pedal input to stop the turn, but the airplane continued turning left. He then applied the right wheel brakes, but the airplane did not stop. The left turn continued until the left wing and propeller impacted a snow bank located at the edge of the parking ramp. The impact resulted in substantial damage to the left wing.

Pilot Statement

The pilot later stated that for this particular flight, his seat may not have been positioned sufficiently far forward. He indicated that this likely prevented his legs from activating the rudder pedals or brake pedals to their full range of travel.

Probable cause

The pilot's seat was not positioned far enough forward to allow full rudder and brake pedal activation.

Contributing factors

Directional control — Not attained/maintainedPilotIncorrect use/operation