Probable cause
The pilot's failure to control the airplane after engine startup, resulting in a ground collision with a nearby airplane.
NTSB analysis
The accident happened on the first flight of the day. The pilot primed the engine using the mixture and set the throttle at the "half" position. The pilot reported that during engine start he placed his feet on the brakes and the engine rpms went to 2,400 rpm immediately; the airplane then started moving forward. The pilot applied the brakes and reduced the throttle; however, the airplane continued to accelerate forward. The airplane impacted a parked Cessna 206, resulting in the partial separation of the accident airplane's right wing and damge to the Cessna 206's propeller and windshield. An examination of the accident airplane's engine, carburetor, throttle assembly, and brakes revealed no anomalies.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN09CA367 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Jun 18, 2009
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Fort Collins, Colorado
- Nearest airport
- Fort Collins-Loveland (KFNL)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Cessna 152
- N-number
- N95144
- Category
- Airplane
- Damage
- Substantial
- Operating rule
- Part 91 (general aviation)
- Purpose of flight
- Personal
From the NTSB aviation accident database: N-registered aircraft, events since 2008, data through Oct 28, 2026. The file is published monthly, so the latest weeks are incomplete and recent records can change. The official source is the NTSB aviation investigation search. CheckAero is independent and not affiliated with the NTSB.