On January 30, 1982, a Cessna 172 (registration N5447E) operated by Donald Valestin was involved in an aviation accident near Bryce Canyon, UT. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during landing on an icy runway, which resulted in the aircraft sliding off the pavement and into a snowbank. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 1 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
Following a cross-country flight, the pilot landed on an icy runway with calm winds. During the ground roll, the aircraft slid left, hitting snow and pulling into a snowbank despite corrective inputs.
What happened
The aircraft completed a cross-country flight and subsequently landed on a runway covered in ice. Wind conditions at the time were calm. During the ground roll after touchdown, the aircraft began to slide toward the left side of the runway.
As the sliding continued, the left main wheel struck accumulated snow. This contact pulled the aircraft further to the left, causing it to depart the paved surface. The pilot attempted to regain control by applying right rudder and right brake pressure. Despite these corrective actions, the aircraft continued its leftward trajectory and came to rest in a snowbank.
Findings
The primary factors contributing to this incident were the icy runway conditions and the resulting loss of directional control during the ground roll. The pilot's application of braking and rudder inputs was insufficient to counteract the slide caused by the left wheel contacting the snow.
Probable cause
The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during landing on an icy runway, which resulted in the aircraft sliding off the pavement and into a snowbank.
What happened in the 30 Jan 1982 Cessna 172 accident near Bryce Canyon, UT?
Following a cross-country flight, the pilot landed on an icy runway with calm winds. During the ground roll, the aircraft slid left, hitting snow and pulling into a snowbank despite corrective inputs.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 30 Jan 1982 involved a Cessna 172, registration N5447E, operated by Donald Valestin, at Bryce Canyon, UT.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during landing on an icy runway, which resulted in the aircraft sliding off the pavement and into a snowbank.
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