Probable cause
The pilot’s decision to adjust his seat during taxi, which resulted in his seat sliding aft, and subsequent loss of directional control.
NTSB analysis
The pilot reported that he attempted to adjust his seat while taxing the airplane. The seat slid aft, and he was unable to reach the rudder pedals. The airplane traversed across a taxiway, impacted a swale, then continued onto a runway before the pilot was able to regain control. The airplane’s rudder and lower aft fuselage were substantially damaged.
The pilot reported there were no pre-accident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN23LA179 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- May 6, 2023
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Englewood, Colorado
- Nearest airport
- Centennial (APA)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Textron Aviation Inc 172S
- N-number
- N34BL
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 2020
- 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.