Probable cause
The flight instructor’s improper decision to leave the airplane with the engine running, which resulted in the airplane rolling forward and impacting a hangar.
NTSB analysis
The flight instructor stated that after the engine was started, he realized that the wheel chocks were still in place and not been removed from the left main landing gear. The flight instructor told the new student pilot to press the brake pedals with his feet while got out and removed the chocks. After the flight instructor climbed out of the airplane, it started to roll forward and impacted a hangar, resulting in substantial damage to the right wing’s leading edge. The flight instructor stated that there were no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures of the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for ERA26LA264 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Jun 27, 2026
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Greensboro, North Carolina
- Nearest airport
- Piedmont Triad Intl. (GSO)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Cessna 172
- N-number
- N7764G
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 1970
- Damage
- Substantial
- Operating rule
- Part 91 (general aviation)
- Purpose of flight
- Instructional
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.