CESSNA 421B near San Simeon, CA — 2009-10-03

Probable cause

The pilot's failure to follow the manufacturer’s checklist and set the parking brake.

NTSB narrative

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.

NTSB coding

• Ground collision · Standing-engine(s) shutdown
• Checklist Use

Evidence available

• 1 docket document

Docket documents1

• Pilot/Operator Aircraft Accident Report, NTSB Form 6120.1form

Related mishaps

• AIRBUS A330

  2022-06-18 · New York, NY

• Bell 407

  2019-03-03 · Union Center, SD

• BEECH B200

  2016-01-11 · Carolina, PR