Probable cause
The pilot's improper engine starting procedures.
NTSB analysis
The pilot attempted to start the engine of the Cessna 172, but was unsuccessful, so he decided to "hand-prop" the engine. As he rotated the propeller from right to left, the engine started, and the airplane began to roll forward. The airplane continued across the airport ramp and impacted two other airplanes before it came to a stop. The accident airplane received substantial damage to its fuselage, and both parked airplanes were also substantially damaged.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for NYC08CA127 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Mar 8, 2008
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Charlottesville, Virginia
- Nearest airport
- Charlottesville-Albemarle (CHO)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Cessna 172N
- N-number
- N733LE
- 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.