Probable cause
The pilot's failure to control the airplane during engine startup, and his failure to maintain clearance from other objects.
NTSB analysis
According to the written statement provided by the pilot, he experienced an unexpected power surge during the engine start. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) reported that the airplane surged forward and the pilot was not able to arrest the forward travel. The pilot reported that he was concerned about impacting an adjacent hanger and turned the airplane left while reducing power. The airplane impacted an adjacent Piper PA-30 airplane. According to the FAA a 30-inch span of the leading edge of the right wing was crushed aft bending two ribs. An examination of the airplane, engine, and brakes revealed no anomalies.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN09CA547 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Aug 24, 2009
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Sugar Land, Texas
- Nearest airport
- Sugar Land Regional Airport (SGR)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Cessna 182P
- N-number
- N1988M
- 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.