Probable cause
The pilot did not properly secure the airplane before starting the engine by manually rotating the propeller, which resulted in the inadvertent movement of the airplane.
NTSB analysis
The pilot stated that, before starting the engine by manually rotating the propeller, he set the brakes, throttle, and trim. He exited the airplane and proceeded to rotate the propeller. When the engine started, it went to full rpm, and the airplane started to move forward on the taxiway at a high speed. The airplane veered off the taxiway and continued its high speed taxi until it impacted a hangar door, damaging the engine, both wings, and the right main landing gear. The pilot reported that he had not chocked the airplane and thought the brake was set. He further reported there were no mechanical problems with the airplane.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for WPR12CA137 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Mar 14, 2012
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Caldwell, Idaho
- Nearest airport
- Caldwell Industrial Airport (EUL)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Cessna 182
- N-number
- N5649B
- Category
- Airplane
- Damage
- Substantial
- Operating rule
- Part 91 (general aviation)
- Purpose of flight
- Skydiving
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.