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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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NTSB Report

April 12, 2003 · Cessna 172S · N52903

Melbourne, FL

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
April 12, 2003
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
Melbourne, FL
Aircraft
Cessna 172S
Tail Number
N52903
Operator
Fit Aviation
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
MIA03LA096

The student pilot stated that after receiving his taxi clearance, he released the parking brake and the airplane began to roll forward. He applied the airplane's brakes to perform a brake check but the brakes were ineffective. The airplane rolled forward and collided with a parked airplane. According to several witnesses, they heard the airplane operating at a high power setting, before impacting a parked airplane at a high rate of speed. The airplane sustained structural damage aft of the firewall, damage to the firewall, and the engine mount. Examination of the brake system by the operator with FAA oversight revealed no evidence of preimpact failure or malfunction.

NTSB Probable Cause

The student pilot's improper throttle setting during the braking test, resulting in a collision with a parked airplane.

Full Narrative

On April 12, 2003, about 0920 eastern daylight time, a Cessna 172S, N52903, registered to JMAX, LLC, and operated by FIT, LLC, collided with a parked airplane while taxiing at the Melbourne Regional Airport, Melbourne, Florida. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time and a visual flight rules (VFR) flight plan was filed for the 14 CFR Part 91 instructional flight. The airplane was substantially damaged and the student reported no injuries. The flight was originating at the time of the accident. The student pilot stated that after receiving his taxi clearance, he released the parking brake and the airplane began to roll forward. He applied the airplane's brakes to perform a brake check but the brakes were ineffective. The airplane rolled forward and collided with a parked airplane. According to several witnesses, they heard the engine of the accident airplane operating at a high power setting before impacting the parked airplane, and also saw the airplane impact the parked airplane with a high rate of speed. Examination of the brake system by the operator with FAA oversight revealed no evidence of preimpact failure or malfunction.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time09:20 EDT
Nearest AirportMelbourne International Arpt (0nm)
Flight Plan FiledVFR
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftCessna 172S
Tail NumberN52903
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorFit Aviation
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · IO-360-L2A · Reciprocating · 180
Seats4

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (1 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total1
Crew 1Age 60 · Third Class · None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind280° @ 7 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point61 F / 55
Altimeter30.00 inHg
Observation Time12:53
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data