Probable cause
The pilot's failure to maintain aircraft control during engine start.
NTSB analysis
During the engine start, the pilot had applied full throttle. After the engine start, the pilot lost control of the airplane, and the airplane impacted a hangar at the airport. A ground worker sustained minor injuries during the collision. The pilot reported that the accident was due to pilot error, and the airplane had no mechanical issues.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN14CA041 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Oct 2, 2013
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Benton Harbor, Michigan
- Nearest airport
- Southwest Michigan Regional (BEH)
- Highest injury
- Minor
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Piper PA 28-180
- N-number
- N8084W
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 1965
- 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.