Probable cause
The flight instructor’s inattention during ground operations, which resulted in unintentional movement of the airplane and ground collision with another airplane.
NTSB analysis
The student pilot in a Cessna 152 reported that, after completing the engine start procedure checklist, he set the parking brake and both he and the instructor placed their feet on the brake pedals. As both pilots looked down to plug in their headsets the airplane rolled forward and struck the right wing of a Cessna 172 that was taxiing in front of them. As a result of the collision, the Cessna 172’s right wing was substantially damaged. The flight crews of both airplanes reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with their airplanes that would have precluded normal operation.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for WPR23LA298 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Aug 1, 2023
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Long Beach, California
- Nearest airport
- Long Beach (Daugherty Fld) (LGB)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
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.