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Cessna 172 Strikes Berm Following Aborted Takeoff (N1507V)

Big Bear City, CA, US

On February 9, 1986, a Cessna 172M (registration N1507V) operated by Mike Ward was involved in an aviation accident near Big Bear City, CA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to remove snow and ice from the wings prior to flight, which resulted in reduced lift and an aborted takeoff. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 2026-06-20Data APIEditorial standards

A Cessna 172 experienced an aborted takeoff after climbing to 100 feet and sinking, likely due to snow and ice on the wings. The aircraft veered off the runway and struck a berm.

What happened

The accident involved a Cessna 172 that collided with a berm immediately following an aborted takeoff sequence. According to pilot reports, the aircraft lifted off from the runway but only managed to climb to an altitude of 100 feet above ground level (AGL) before beginning to lose altitude rapidly.

Faced with this sinking condition, the pilot made the decision to abort the takeoff. The aircraft touched down on the departure end of the runway. Upon landing, the aircraft veered to the left, leaving the paved surface and striking a berm. A witness present at the scene reported observing snow and ice accumulation on the wings prior to the incident.

Findings

The investigation highlighted several critical factors contributing to the accident. The primary mechanical and environmental findings included:

  • Snow and ice contamination on the wings, which likely degraded lift performance.
  • The aircraft's inability to maintain altitude after liftoff.
  • The decision to abort the takeoff at a low altitude.
  • The subsequent veer off the runway during the landing roll.

Probable cause

The pilot's failure to remove snow and ice from the wings prior to flight, which resulted in reduced lift and an aborted takeoff.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 9 Feb 1986 Cessna 172M accident near Big Bear City, CA?

A Cessna 172 experienced an aborted takeoff after climbing to 100 feet and sinking, likely due to snow and ice on the wings. The aircraft veered off the runway and struck a berm.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 9 Feb 1986 involved a Cessna 172M, registration N1507V, operated by Mike Ward, at Big Bear City, CA.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's failure to remove snow and ice from the wings prior to flight, which resulted in reduced lift and an aborted takeoff.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001213X32879. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.