Aviation Accident Summaries

Aviation Accident Summary CEN13CA202

Pontiac, MI, USA

Aircraft #1

N7282Q

CESSNA 172L

Analysis

The private pilot said she was taxiing her single-engine airplane to the active runway when the engine suddenly went to full power. She did not recall any related engine instrument indications and tried to reduce power by moving the throttle control to its idle position, pulling the mixture control aft, and applying the brakes. During this time, the airplane veered off the taxiway, impacted a snow bank, and nosed over, coming to rest on its back, which resulted in substantial damage to the airframe. Examination of the engine found no mechanical anomalies that would explain the sudden increase in engine power. The pilot had 2,000 feet of taxiway remaining from where the airplane departed the runway.

Factual Information

The private pilot said she was taxing her single-engine airplane to the active runway when the engine suddenly went to full power. She did not recall any engine instrument indications and tried to reduce power by closing the throttle, pulling the mixture control, and applying the brakes. During this time, the airplane veered off the taxiway, impacted a snow bank, and flipped over on its back causing substantial damage to the airframe. Examination of the engine found no mechanical anomalies that would explain why there was a sudden increase in engine power. The pilot had 2,000 feet of taxiway remaining from where the airplane departed the runway.

Probable Cause and Findings

The pilot's failure to maintain airplane control after an unexplained increase in engine power while taxiing.

 

Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database

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