Probable cause
The pilot's failure to maintain airplane control while starting the engine.
NTSB analysis
According to the pilot, he completed the preflight checklist before starting the engine. When he turned the ignition, the airplane started and began to move forward. The pilot attempted to stop the airplane, but it continued forward and initiated a turn to the left. The airplane subsequently impacted another airplane, resulting in substantial damage to the accident airplane's left wing. A postaccident examination revealed no leaks or other anomalies with the brakes or any other preexisting mechanical malfunctions of the airplane.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for ERA12CA025 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Oct 6, 2011
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Westerly, Rhode Island
- Nearest airport
- Westerly State Airport (WST)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Cessna 177RG
- N-number
- N177MW
- 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.