Piper PA46 N32CA accident near Grand Island, Nebraska

Probable cause

The pilot's failure to maintain airplane control after engine start.

NTSB analysis

The pilot reported that the airplane began to roll forward about 1 minute after engine start and impacted a building. The pilot stated that, though the airplane slowed when he pumped the brakes several times, he could not stop it using both toe brakes. An employee of the fixed based operator who witnessed the accident stated that the airplane's propeller was operating "at high speed" as it moved forward into a grass area before impacting the building. The pilot reported that the engine was stopped before impact. Postaccident examination of the airplane braking system revealed no mechanical malfunctions or failures that would have precluded normal operation. Available evidence suggests that the pilot did not reduce engine power and effectively apply the brakes in sufficient time to stop the airplane.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN13LA171 for the full record.