Casualties unknown

Student Pilot Collides with Snowbank After Engine Sputter During Night Touch-and-Go on Icy Runway (N69004)

Anchorage, AK, US

On January 9, 1992, a Cessna 152 (registration N69004) operated by Joseph Wilbur was involved in an aviation accident near Anchorage, AK. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: THE FAILURE OF THE PILOT TO MAINTAIN DIRECTIONAL CONTROL OF THE AIRPLANE DURING THE ABORTED TAKEOFF. CONTRIBUTING TO THE ACCIDENT WERE THE PARTIAL LOSS OF ENGINE POWER FOR UNDETERMINED REASONS, THE ICY RUNWAY CONDITION, AND THE PILOT'S LACK OF TOTAL… 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.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

A student pilot with one hour of solo time was performing touch-and-go landings at night on a snow-packed icy runway. The engine sputtered, and during the aborted takeoff, the pilot lost control and collided with a snowbank.

Incident Overview

A student pilot, who had accumulated one hour of solo flight time, was conducting touch-and-go landings at night on a runway covered with snow-packed ice. During one of the takeoff attempts, the engine sputtered. The pilot subsequently lost control of the airplane during the aborted takeoff and collided with a snowbank.

Investigation Details

Post-accident discussions with the pilot could not determine whether the carburetor heat control had been applied during the takeoff attempt. A post-accident examination and engine run-up revealed no anomalies in the engine's operation.

Logbook and Instructor Authorization

Examination of the pilot's logbook showed no instructor endorsement authorizing night flight operations. Additionally, the manner in which solo flight landings and takeoffs were to be performed was not stipulated by the flight instructor in the pilot's logbook.

Damage and Injuries

The airplane sustained damage from the collision with the snowbank. The source does not specify any injuries to the pilot.

Contributing Factors (None Stated)

The investigation report does not assign a probable cause or identify contributing factors. The source explicitly notes the absence of instructor endorsements and unspecified procedures but does not link these to the accident.

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Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 9 Jan 1992 Cessna 152 accident near Anchorage, AK?

A student pilot with one hour of solo time was performing touch-and-go landings at night on a snow-packed icy runway. The engine sputtered, and during the aborted takeoff, the pilot lost control and collided with a snowbank.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 9 Jan 1992 involved a Cessna 152, registration N69004, operated by Joseph Wilbur, at Anchorage, AK.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

THE FAILURE OF THE PILOT TO MAINTAIN DIRECTIONAL CONTROL OF THE AIRPLANE DURING THE ABORTED TAKEOFF. CONTRIBUTING TO THE ACCIDENT WERE THE PARTIAL LOSS OF ENGINE POWER FOR UNDETERMINED REASONS, THE ICY RUNWAY CONDITION, AND THE PILOT'S LACK OF TOTAL EXPERIENCE IN THE TYPE OF OPERATION.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001211X13929. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.