Probable cause
The pilot's distraction during the engine warm-up, which resulted in the airplane's collision with a hangar. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's failure to set the brakes.
NTSB analysis
The pilot reported that he had the seat all the way back and that he was checking the weather because he planned to perform a 10-minute-long engine warm-up. After 5 minutes, he noticed that the engine rpm increased from 800 to 1,200. He recalled that when he noticed the increase in engine rpm, he was about to adjust the throttle, but the airplane began to roll and collided with a hangar. The pilot added that the accident could have been prevented by keeping his feet on the brakes during the engine warm-up. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the left wing. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for GAA19CA136 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Feb 10, 2019
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Arlington, Washington
- Nearest airport
- Arlington Muni (AWO)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Cessna 182
- N-number
- N9101X
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 1961
- 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.