On January 22, 1988, a Cessna 172N (registration N4897G) operated by Colorado Northwestern Comm Col was involved in an aviation accident near Duchesne, UT. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during takeoff on a snow-packed runway. 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.
A student pilot's aircraft veered left and struck a snow bank during takeoff on a snow-packed runway under calm wind conditions.
What happened
The incident occurred during a cross-country training flight conducted by a student pilot. The event took place at the first stop of the journey, specifically during the takeoff phase of a touch-and-go landing maneuver. As the aircraft accelerated down the runway for departure, it swerved abruptly to the left. This loss of directional control resulted in the aircraft striking a snow bank located on the left side of the runway. The snow bank was approximately three feet high.
The pilot reported that environmental conditions were calm with no significant wind. However, the runway surface was covered with packed snow, which likely contributed to the handling difficulties experienced during the takeoff roll.
Probable cause
The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during takeoff on a snow-packed runway.
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