Probable cause
The pilot's failure to follow the manufacturer’s checklist and set the parking brake.
NTSB analysis
The pilot taxied into the parking area, which appeared to be level from his perspective in the cockpit. Although the checklist called for setting the parking brake, the pilot elected to not use it since there were several chocks available on the ramp and no movement of the airplane was observed. He walked back to open the passenger door when the airplane began rolling backwards and impacted the windshield of a parked car. Although the parking area appeared level, the pilot indicated that later analysis showed there was a gradual slope.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for WPR10LA002 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Oct 3, 2009
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- San Simeon, California
- Nearest airport
- Hearst Castle Airstrip (PVT)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Cessna 421B
- N-number
- N31KT
- Category
- Airplane
- Damage
- Substantial
- Operating rule
- Part 135 (charter and commuter)
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.