No fatalities

Aircraft Impact with Hangar Door During High-Speed Taxi After Hand-Propeller Start

Caldwell, ID, United States

On March 14, 2012, a CESSNA 182 operated by Skydown Skydiving was involved in an aviation accident near Caldwell, ID. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot did not properly secure the airplane before starting the engine by manually rotating the propeller, which resulted in the inadvertent movement of the 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 a hand-propel engine start, an airplane began moving at high speed on a taxiway, veered off, and collided with a hangar door. The pilot had not chocked the wheels and believed the brake was set. No mechanical issues were reported.

Incident Overview

A pilot reported that before starting the engine by manually rotating the propeller, he set the brakes, throttle, and trim. He then exited the airplane and proceeded to rotate the propeller. When the engine started, it immediately accelerated to full rpm, and the airplane began moving forward on the taxiway at high speed.

Sequence of Events

The airplane continued its high-speed taxi until it veered off the taxiway. It then struck a hangar door, causing damage to the engine, both wings, and the right main landing gear.

Pilot Statements

In a conversation with the responding officer, the pilot stated that he had not placed chocks under the wheels and thought the brake was set. He further reported that there were no mechanical problems with the airplane.

Contributing factors

Incorrect use/operationPilot