Accident Details
On February 3, 2016, at approximately 1130 Pacific standard time, a Cessna 172S, registration N499DR, impacted a parked and occupied Cessna 172S, N1955L, on the parking ramp at Gillespie Field Airport (SEE) in San Diego/El Cajon, California. Both aircraft were operated by California Flight Academy under 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 for instructional flights and were registered to Sorbi Aviation Inc. Each aircraft carried one certified flight instructor (CFI) and one student pilot; no occupants were injured. N499DR sustained minor damage, while N1955L sustained substantial damage to its fuselage structure and rudder. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and neither aircraft had filed a flight plan.
N499DR Instructor Account
The CFI from N499DR reported that the student pilot was on his first flight lesson. After a thorough preflight inspection, they hand-towed the airplane from its north-facing parking spot and turned it eastward. The engine was started and idled between 800 and 1000 RPM. While the CFI listened to the airport's automatic terminal information service (ATIS), the airplane began to move with a right-turning tendency. The CFI stated he did not notice the movement initially, but when he did, he applied the brakes. Instead of stopping, the airplane increased its right turn and struck N1955L. In a later conversation, the CFI mentioned that when he attempted to stop, he noticed the right rudder pedal was slightly more forward than the left, though not significantly.
N499DR Student Account
The student pilot from N499DR provided a written statement. He reported that as the CFI was listening to the radio, the airplane started moving and turning toward another airplane. The student said, "Hey you! Airplane is moving!" and touched the CFI. According to the student, the CFI looked at him, then returned his attention to the radio, and "did not do anything;" the CFI appeared to be distracted. The airplane continued its turn and struck N1955L.
N1955L Occupants' Account
The CFI of N1955L reported that he and the student pilot were preparing for their flight with the engine off. They suddenly felt a jolt and heard the sound of metal contacting metal. Turning around, they observed that N499DR had struck the aft fuselage of their airplane.
Postaccident Examination
A Federal Aviation Administration airworthiness inspector conducted a postaccident examination of N499DR's brake system. No visual defects or leaks were found. The inspector manipulated the brakes both dependently and independently, and no anomalies were noted.