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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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November 8, 2008 · Wsk Pzl Mielec M-18A · N81705

Mountain Home, ID

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
November 8, 2008
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
Mountain Home, ID
Aircraft
Wsk Pzl Mielec M-18A
Tail Number
N81705
Operator
A-1 Aviation
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
WPR09CA041

The pilot reported he was taxing the airplane to the active runway when he realized the airplane's tail wheel lock was engaged. With the engine still running, the pilot set the parking brake, installed the control lock and exited the airplane with the intention of manually unlocking the tail wheel. When the pilot exited the cockpit he inadvertently knocked/pushed the throttle forward, to a high power setting, and the airplane started to roll across the taxiway. The unoccupied airplane accelerated, momentarily became airborne, and collided with an airport perimeter fence and terrain. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the fuselage, empennage and both wings. No pre accident mechanical malfunctions or failures were reported.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot's inadequate preflight inspection, and, his failure to properly secure the aircraft as he left the cockpit with the engine operating, which resulted in the unoccupied airplane inadvertently becoming airborne and colliding with a fence and terrain.

Full Narrative

The commercial pilot reported he was taxing the airplane to the active runway when he realized the airplane's tail wheel lock was engaged. With the engine still running, the pilot set the parking brake, installed the control lock and exited the airplane with the intention of manually unlocking the tail wheel. When the pilot exited the cockpit he inadvertently knocked/pushed the throttle forward, to a high power setting, and the airplane started to roll across the taxiway. The unoccupied airplane accelerated, momentarily became airborne, and collided with an airport perimeter fence and terrain. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the fuselage, empennage and both wings. No pre accident mechanical malfunctions or failures were reported.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time12:00 MST
Nearest AirportMountain Home Municipal Airpor (0nm)
Runway10
Runway Length5000 ft
Runway Width75 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftWsk Pzl Mielec M-18A
Tail NumberN81705
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorA-1 Aviation
Operating RulePart 137
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsPezetel · ASZ-621R-M18 · Reciprocating · 967
Seats1

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (1 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total1
Crew 1Age 63 · Second Class · None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind110° @ 8 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point0 C / 0 C
Altimeter0
Weather SourcePILO

Appendix: Source Data