Snow encounter bends airplane
This December 2007 accident report is provided by the National Transportation Safety Board. Published as an educational tool, it is intended to help pilots learn from the misfortunes of others.
Aircraft: Cessna 172. Location: Wausau, Wis. Injuries: None. Aircraft damage: Substantial.
What reportedly happened: The pilot, who was practicing takeoffs and landings, completed three takeoffs and full stop landings on runway 30, and then switched to runway 04, which was covered with ice and packed snow. After landing the airplane skidded on a patch of packed snow. The pilot could not regain control of the airplane. The nose wheel dug into soft snow on the side of the runway and the airplane nosed over.
Probable cause: The pilot’s failure to maintain directional control during the landing roll. The snow was a factor.
For more information: NTSB.gov
