Piper PA-28-161 Cherokee Warrior II, G-LACB, 20 November 2009

From:
Air Accidents Investigation Branch
Published
10 December 2014
Category:
General aviation - fixed wing
Report type:
Bulletin - Correspondence investigation
Date of occurrence:
20 November 2009
Aircraft type:
Piper PA-28-161 Cherokee Warrior II
Location:
Barton Aerodrome, Manchester
Registration:
G-LACB

Piper PA-28-161 Cherokee Warrior II, G-LACB

Summary:

G-LACB was parked near the fuel pumps with the parking brake off. The student pilot (who had flown solo several times) decided to taxi G-LACB closer to the fuel pumps before re-fuelling; his instructor was not present. He started the engine and the aircraft began to move forward. He reported that because of his seating position, he could not apply the brakes. In attempting to stop the aircraft, he depressed the left rudder pedal, causing the aircraft to turn to the left. The aircraft accelerated towards, and collided with a parked aircraft, G-BHRB. The first three items of the flying school’s checklist for the PA-28 internal checks stated:

  1. seat: adjusted and locked
  2. hatches, harnesses: closed and secured
  3. parking brake: on

Download report:

Piper PA-28-161 Cherokee Warrior II, G-LACB 02-10.pdf (237.91 kb)

Published 10 December 2014