On February 16, 1990, a Cessna 152 (registration N25197) was involved in an aviation accident near Boulder, CO. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: FAILURE OF THE PILOT TO MAINTAIN DIRECTIONAL CONTROL DURING THE LANDING ROLL, WHICH RESULTED IN A GROUND SWERVE. PATCHES OF PACKED SNOW ON THE RUNWAY MAY HAVE CONTRIBUTED TO THE PILOT'S INABILITY TO REGAIN CONTROL AFTER THE INITIAL SWERVE BEGAN. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 8 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
A student pilot experienced a swerve during the landing roll on a runway with packed snow patches. The attempt to go around failed as the aircraft veered off the pavement and struck a fuel truck.
What happened
The incident involved a student pilot conducting his third solo flight in a practice area. After flying for approximately 30 minutes, the pilot initiated a landing on an asphalt runway. Upon touchdown, the pilot noted that there were patches of packed snow present on the runway surface.
During the landing roll, the aircraft began to swerve uncontrollably. The pilot attempted to execute a go-around procedure to recover from the situation. However, the aircraft continued to swerve off the side of the runway. It subsequently collided with a fuel truck that was located near the airfield.
What happened in the 16 Feb 1990 Cessna 152 accident near Boulder, CO?
A student pilot experienced a swerve during the landing roll on a runway with packed snow patches. The attempt to go around failed as the aircraft veered off the pavement and struck a fuel truck.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 16 Feb 1990 involved a Cessna 152, registration N25197, at Boulder, CO.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
FAILURE OF THE PILOT TO MAINTAIN DIRECTIONAL CONTROL DURING THE LANDING ROLL, WHICH RESULTED IN A GROUND SWERVE. PATCHES OF PACKED SNOW ON THE RUNWAY MAY HAVE CONTRIBUTED TO THE PILOT'S INABILITY TO REGAIN CONTROL AFTER THE INITIAL SWERVE BEGAN.
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