On 7 Feb 2012, an AEROPRO CZ EUROFOX LSA was involved in an aviation accident near Winter Haven, FL. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The flight instructor’s delayed remedial action to prevent the airplane from hitting the hangar door. Contributing to the accident was the student pilot's misuse of the airplane's throttle, and his incorrect use of the wheel brakes. This summary draws on records from NTSB; 12 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
A non-certificated student pilot and a CFI collided with a hangar during taxi after the student pilot attempted to use toe brakes, but the airplane had a hand brake.
Sequence of Events
A non-certificated student pilot was taxiing the airplane to the runway when he adjusted the throttle. The engine spooled up, increasing the taxi speed. The student pilot retarded the throttle and attempted to apply the toe brakes. However, the airplane was equipped with a hand brake instead of toe brakes. The certified flight instructor (CFI) reported that the airplane moved toward a hangar at a "rapid speed" as he tried to slow it. The airplane collided with the hangar door, resulting in substantial damage to the airframe. The CFI estimated that the time from loss of control to the collision was about two to three seconds.
Pilot Information
The CFI had 1.9 hours of experience in the accident airplane. Both pilots reported that there were no anomalies or malfunctions with the airplane during the accident sequence. The student pilot was not certificated at the time of the incident.