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NTSB Report
February 4, 2019 · Cessna 172 R · N9525V
Hanover, VA
Overview
Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
February 4, 2019
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
Hanover, VA
Aircraft
Cessna 172 R (1998)
Tail Number
N9525V
Operator
Heart of Virginia Aviation
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
GAA19CA130
The solo student pilot reported that, while taxiing to the runway for departure, he attempted to adjust the seat to get a "better view." When he released the seat latch, the seat moved aft, and he was unable to reach the rudder pedals or brake pedals with his feet. He added that he was unable to lean forward because his seat belt was secured. Subsequently, the airplane veered left, and he pulled the engine throttle to idle, but the airplane exited the taxiway into a ditch and struck a wire fence. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the left wing and right horizontal stabilizer. The student reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
NTSB Probable Cause
The student pilot's improper decision to release the seat latch to adjust the seat position during taxi, which resulted in his inability to reach the rudder or brake pedals and a subsequent loss of directional control and impact with a ditch and fence.
Full Narrative
The solo student pilot reported that while taxiing to the runway for departure, he attempted to adjust the seat to get a "better view". When he released the seat latch, the seat moved aft, and he was unable to reach the rudder pedals or brake pedals with his feet. He added that he was unable to lean forward because his seat belt was secured. Subsequently, the airplane veered left, he pulled the engine throttle to idle, but the airplane exited the taxiway into a ditch and struck a wire fence. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the left wing and right horizontal stabilizer. The student pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time16:45 EST
Nearest AirportHanover County Muni (0nm SSE)
Flight Plan FiledVFR
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftCessna 172 R
Tail NumberN9525V
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorHeart of Virginia Aviation
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · IO360 SER A&C · Reciprocating · 180
Seats4
People & Injuries
Injury SummaryNo injuries (1 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total1
Crew 1Age 31 · Third Class · None
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind10° @ 3 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point61 F / 37 C
Altimeter30.09 inHg
Observation Time16:54
Weather SourceWFAC