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GAA19CA130

2019-02-04 · Hanover, Virginia, United States · None · 1 aircraft · Status: Completed

Airport OFP

Current FAA registration · N9525V

Make / Model
CESSNA 172R
Year of manufacture
1998 · 21 years old at event
Engine
LYCOMING I0360 SER A&C (200 hp)
Seats / Engines
4 seats · 1 engine
Last airworthiness date
19980119
ADS-B equipped
Yes — Mode-S AD3F30

Source: FAA Aircraft Registry (releasable master file).

Aircraft involved

Probable cause & findings

The student pilot's improper decision to release the seat latch to adjust the seat position during taxi, which resulted in his inability to reach the rudder or brake pedals and a subsequent loss of directional control and impact with a ditch and fence.

Factual narrative

The solo student pilot reported that while taxiing to the runway for departure, he attempted to adjust the seat to get a "better view". When he released the seat latch, the seat moved aft, and he was unable to reach the rudder pedals or brake pedals with his feet. He added that he was unable to lean forward because his seat belt was secured. Subsequently, the airplane veered left, he pulled the engine throttle to idle, but the airplane exited the taxiway into a ditch and struck a wire fence. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the left wing and right horizontal stabilizer. The student pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation. The solo student pilot reported that, while taxiing to the runway for departure, he attempted to adjust the seat to get a "better view." When he released the seat latch, the seat moved aft, and he was unable to reach the rudder pedals or brake pedals with his feet. He added that he was unable to lean forward because his seat belt was secured. Subsequently, the airplane veered left, and he pulled the engine throttle to idle, but the airplane exited the taxiway into a ditch and struck a wire fence. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the left wing and right horizontal stabilizer. The student reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation. Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database Retrieved: 2026-02-12

NTSB Findings

FAA avdata. C = Cause, F = Factor.

  • C Aircraft-Aircraft structures-Fuselage-Seat/cargo attach fitting-Incorrect use/operation - C
  • C Personnel issues-Task performance-Use of equip/info-Aircraft control-Student/instructed pilot - C
  • C Aircraft-Aircraft oper/perf/capability-Performance/control parameters-Directional control-Not attained/maintained - C
  • C Personnel issues-Action/decision-Info processing/decision-Decision making/judgment-Student/instructed pilot - C
  • — Environmental issues-Physical environment-Object/animal/substance-Fence/fence post-Contributed to outcome
  • — Environmental issues-Physical environment-Terrain-Sloped/uneven terrain-Contributed to outcome
  • — Environmental issues-Task environment-Physical workspace-Access to equipment/controls-Effect on operation

Verbatim from NTSB's published report. Source file NTSB_2019_GAA19CA130.txt. Findings + structured fields enriched from FAA avall.mdb. Full investigation docket on data.ntsb.gov ↗.

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