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Casualties unknown

No-Flap Approach Leads to Snow Bank Encounter (N34860)

Acme, MI, US

On January 20, 1990, a Cessna 177B (registration N34860) was involved in an aviation accident near Acme, MI. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: THE STUDENT PILOT MISJUDGED DISTANCE AND ALTITUDE TO THE RUNWAY, AND THE INSTRUCTOR PILOT (CFI) FAILED TO ATTAIN REMEDIAL ACTION, WHICH RESULTED IN THEIR FAILURE TO ATTAIN THE PROPER TOUCHDOWN POINT. 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 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

During a no-flap approach practice, an airplane settled early, struck a snow bank, lost its right main landing gear wheel, and veered off the runway. The instructor had 41 total flight instructor hours.

Incident Overview

A flight instructor and a student pilot were practicing a no-flap approach when the airplane settled to the ground earlier than intended. The aircraft subsequently collided with a snow bank before reaching the runway. Contact with the snow bank caused the wheel from the right main landing gear to separate. The airplane then settled on its right side and veered off the runway.

Instructor Experience

The certified flight instructor (CFI) on board had accumulated 41 total hours of experience as a flight instructor at the time of the event.

Aircraft Condition

The right main landing gear wheel detached during the collision with the snow bank. No further damage details were provided in the report.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 20 Jan 1990 Cessna 177B accident near Acme, MI?

During a no-flap approach practice, an airplane settled early, struck a snow bank, lost its right main landing gear wheel, and veered off the runway. The instructor had 41 total flight instructor hours.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 20 Jan 1990 involved a Cessna 177B, registration N34860, at Acme, MI.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

THE STUDENT PILOT MISJUDGED DISTANCE AND ALTITUDE TO THE RUNWAY, AND THE INSTRUCTOR PILOT (CFI) FAILED TO ATTAIN REMEDIAL ACTION, WHICH RESULTED IN THEIR FAILURE TO ATTAIN THE PROPER TOUCHDOWN POINT. FACTORS RELATED TO THE ACCIDENT WERE: THE CFI'S LACK OF EXPERIENCE IN THE TYPE OF OPERATION AND THE SNOWBANK.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001212X22396. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.