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Aviation safety reports, made easier to study

NTSB Reports is an independent research and search tool for public aviation accident and incident records. It brings NTSB aviation reports, structured fields, docket files, extracted figures, photos, videos, and update history into one searchable interface.

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September 1, 1998 · Cessna 172G · N5797R

Leesburg, FL

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
September 1, 1998
Injury Outcomes
1 injury (1 minor injury)
Location
Leesburg, FL
Aircraft
Cessna 172G
Tail Number
N5797R
Injuries
Minor
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
MIA98LA234

When the pilot attempted to taxi for takeoff, the aircraft would not move. He left the engine running and exited the aircraft to see if he had left the wheel chocks in place. As he exited the aircraft it began to move. He could not get back in the aircraft due to the propeller blast. The aircraft taxied uncontrolled and made a 360 degree turn. The aircraft then taxied across a taxiway and field and collided with a fence.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot's decision to leave the engine running with no one at the controls as he exited the aircraft to check for wheel chocks in place. This resulted in the aircraft moving uncontrolled and eventually colliding with a fence.

Full Narrative

On September 1, 1998, about 1200 eastern daylight time, a Cessna 172G, N5797R, registered to an individual, collided with a fence at Leesburg Municipal Airport, Leesburg, Florida, while on a Title 14 CFR Part 91 personal flight. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time and no flight plan was filed. The aircraft received substantial damage and the private-rated pilot received minor injuries. The flight was originating at the time of the accident. The pilot stated that when he attempted to begin taxiing for takeoff, the aircraft would not move. He left the engine running and exited the aircraft to see if he had left the wheel chocks in place. As he exited the aircraft it began to move. The wind from the propeller prevented him from getting back in the aircraft. The aircraft taxied uncontrolled and made a 360-degree turn. The aircraft then taxied across a taxiway into a field and collided with a fence.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time12:00 EDT
Nearest AirportLeesburg Municipal (0nm)
Runway0
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftCessna 172G
Tail NumberN5797R
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-300-D · Reciprocating · 145
Seats4

People & Injuries

Injury Summary1 injury (1 minor injury)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor1
Uninjured0
Total1
Crew 1Age 74 · Third Class

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind250° @ 6 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Altimeter29.00 inHg
Observation Time15:53
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data