# NTSB FTW95LA100: Cessna A152, N4892A, Houston, TX, January 24, 1995

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Fatal · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: January 24, 1995, 01:00 local (07:00 UTC)
- Place: Houston, TX
- Coordinates: 29.610691, -95.610633 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=29.6107&lon=-95.6106&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Standing](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/150) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Fatal
- Injuries: 1 fatal, 1 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report May 9, 1995
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 19344
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=FTW95LA100
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/19344/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW95LA100

## Probable cause

THE PILOT'S INADEQUATE SUPERVISION OF THE PASSENGER.  A FACTOR WAS THE PILOT'S INADEQUATE PREFLIGHT OF THE AIRCRAFT.

## Sequence of events

In NTSB's coding before 2008 (https://www.ntsb.gov/GILS/Documents/codman.pdf).

- Propeller/rotor contact to person, standing - engine(s) operating
  - aircraft preflight - inadequate, pilot in command (contributing factor)
  - supervision - inadequate, pilot in command (cause)

## Analysis

AS THE PILOT PREPARED TO TAXI THE AIRCRAFT, HE REALIZED THAT THE NOSE WHEEL WAS CHOCKED.  THE PASSENGER EXITED THE AIRCRAFT TO REMOVE THE CHOCKS WHILE THE ENGINE CONTINUED TO RUN.  SUBSEQUENTLY, THE PASSENGER WAS STRUCK BY THE PROPELLER. THE PILOT PERFORMED A 'NORMAL PREFLIGHT' BUT FAILED TO REMOVE THE CHOCKS.

## Factual narrative

On January 24, 1995, at 0100 central standard time, a passenger in a Cessna A152, N4892A, was fatally injured during ground operations near Houston, Texas.  The private pilot was not injured.  Night visual meteorological conditions prevailed.  The airplane sustained minor damage.

According to the Pilot/Operator Report (NTSB Form 6120.1/2, the pilot performed a "normal" preflight of the aircraft.  "The pilot and passenger got into the plane, and the pilot started the engine."  As he attempted to taxi, he realized that the nose wheel chocks were still in place.  The pilot stated that the passenger "volunteered" to remove the chocks.  He further stated that he "reminded the passenger to stay clear of the propeller."  The passenger then exited the right door and proceeded around the rear of the aircraft.  According to the pilot, she kneeled down to remove the chocks.  "Then she stood up and turned towards the propeller."  Subsequently, the passenger was struck in the head by the propeller.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N4892A](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N4892A-2005-08-31), registration cancelled 2005-08-31, S/N A1520906, built 1979 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: CESSNA A152
- Registry model: [Cessna A152](https://openairdocs.org/model/cessna-a152) (registry code 2071836) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Lycoming 0-235 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-0-235-series) (registry code 41505, 4 cycle) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: A1520906
- Airframe hours: 3083
- Engines: LYCOMING O-235-L2C 125 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Minor damage
- Fire: Unknown
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: Bell Flight Training
- Registered owner: The Donnelly Group
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Aerobatic
- Last inspection: 100 hour, December 12, 1994, 34 hours before
- Departed: SGR, TX
- Destination: AUS, AUSTIN, TX
- Airport: SGR, Houston Hull

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 33; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: left; toxicology performed; flight hours: 181 total, 41 in this make and model, 129 as pilot in command, 14 in the last 90 days, 3 in the last 30 days, 2 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Night/dark
- Visibility: 15 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 34 °F

## FAA reports on this event (1)

The FAA's own accident and incident reports, matched to the aircraft by N-number and date (OpenAirDocs).

- [Accident 19950124001189A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19950124001189A), Jan 24, 1995: Cessna A152, Houston, TX, Minor damage, 1 fatal. Tried taxi nose wheel chocked. Passengers got out to remove chock was struck by idling propeller.

From the NTSB's public API. Aircraft are matched to registry aircraft by N-number and event date, checked against the reported serial number, make and model; the registry's history has gaps, so older matches can be wrong. Compare the reported make and model.

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