Training Flight Return Ends with Collision into FBO Building

Incident Overview

According to a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) inspector, an airplane had just returned from a training flight with the engine still warm. The pilot informed the inspector that she experienced difficulty starting the engine and opened the throttle "just a bit." She stated that she set the parking brake and kept her feet on the brakes. When the engine started, it immediately went to high rpm. The airplane then lurched forward and collided with a fixed base operator (FBO) building.

Post-Incident Examination

The FAA inspector examined and tested the brake system following the incident. No anomalies were found in the brake system. The inspector's observations were limited to the brake system; no other systems or components were mentioned as having been tested or examined in the source material.

Pilot Account

The pilot's description of the event indicates that the engine started unexpectedly at high power despite her efforts to control the throttle and apply brakes. She reported that her feet were on the brakes and the parking brake was set, yet the airplane moved forward upon engine start.

Key Details

• The airplane had just completed a training flight.
• The engine was still warm at the time of the start attempt.
• The pilot opened the throttle slightly during the starting procedure.
• The engine started and immediately reached high rpm.
• The airplane lurched forward and struck the FBO building.
• The brake system was tested and found to be operating normally with no anomalies.