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Initiating takeoff roll from snow-covered taxiway a bad decision

By NTSB · March 11, 2022 ·

The pilot was attempting to depart a snow-covered runway in Big Lake, Alaska, in a wheel-equipped Cessna 172.

On his first attempt the plane failed to generate enough airspeed, so he aborted the takeoff and exited the runway.

On his second attempt, he started the takeoff roll on a taxiway via a 90° turn to enter the runway. Just before entering the runway he encountered uneven terrain, and the airplane veered to the left and hit a snow berm, sustaining substantial damage to the right wing.

In the recommendation section of the NTSB Accident/Incident Reporting Form 6120.1, the pilot listed several ways that the accident could have been prevented, which included parking the airplane and waiting for a snow plow to clear the runway. In addition, he indicated that he was fatigued and his judgment and decision making abilities were compromised.

Probable Cause: The pilot’s improper decision to initiate the takeoff roll from a snow-covered taxiway, which resulted in a loss of directional control, runway excursion, and impact with a snow berm.

NTSB Identification: 101070

To download the final report. Click here. This will trigger a PDF download to your device.

This March 2020 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.

About NTSB

The National Transportation Safety Board is an independent federal agency charged by Congress with investigating every civil aviation accident in the United States and significant events in the other modes of transportation, including railroad, transit, highway, marine, pipeline, and commercial space. It determines the probable causes of accidents and issues safety recommendations aimed at preventing future occurrences.

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Comments

  1. Tom Curran says

    March 14, 2022 at 9:55 am

    A flight instructor working for a Part 141 school….

    “On his second attempt, he chose to begin the takeoff roll with a high-speed taxi on a taxiway before turning 90° to enter the (snow-covered) runway.”

    I do give the CFI a 9.5 for creativity!
    Have not seen that one in the Airplane Flying Handbook; a great way to demo ALL the Laws of Learning.

    I wonder if the student ever came back for Lesson #2…?

  2. H Fischer says

    March 14, 2022 at 5:46 am

    This is why we have high insurance rates and make a bad name for aviation.

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