The Airplane Rolled Forward And Struck The Right Wing Of A Cessna 172 That Was Taxiing In Front

Location: Long Beach, California Accident Number: WPR23LA298
Date & Time: August 1, 2023, 16:37 Local Registration: N46393 (A1); N65537 (A2)
Aircraft: Cessna 152 (A1); Cessna 172S (A2) Aircraft Damage: Minor (A1); Substantial (A2)
Defining Event: Ground collision Injuries: 2 None (A1); 2 None (A2)
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General aviation - Instructional (A1); Part 91: General aviation - Instructional (A2)

Analysis: The student pilot in a Cessna 152 reported that, after completing the engine start procedure checklist, he set the parking brake and both he and the instructor placed their feet on the brake pedals. As both pilots looked down to plug in their headsets the airplane rolled forward and struck the right wing of a Cessna 172 that was taxiing in front of them. As a result of the collision, the Cessna 172’s right wing was substantially damaged. The flight crews of both airplanes reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with their airplanes that would have precluded normal operation.

Probable Cause and Findings: The National Transportation Safety Board determines the probable cause(s) of this accident to be -- The flight instructor’s inattention during ground operations, which resulted in unintentional movement of the airplane and ground collision with another airplane.

FMI: www.ntsb.gov