Casualties unknown

Pilot Loses Control During Snowy Takeoff Roll (N734GD)

Santa FE, NM, US

On January 12, 1993, a Cessna 172N (registration N734GD) operated by Zia Aviation was involved in an aviation accident near Santa FE, NM. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's loss of control during the takeoff ground roll due to an accumulation of snow, which caused the left main gear to strike a snowbank. 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.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 2026-06-22Data APIEditorial standards

An aircraft attempting to take off from a snow-covered runway lost control during the ground roll, striking a snowbank and nosing over after reaching 45 knots.

What happened

The pilot was conducting an attempted takeoff operation under winter conditions where significant snow accumulation was present on the airfield. During the initial phase of the ground roll, the aircraft accelerated down the runway. The pilot managed to reach a distance of approximately 1,000 feet from the start of the takeoff run. At this point, the aircraft had achieved a ground speed of 45 knots.

As the acceleration continued, the left main landing gear encountered a snowbank situated along the edge or within the runway environment. The impact with the accumulated snow caused an immediate loss of directional control. The force of the strike resulted in the aircraft nosing over, leaving it in an inverted position on the ground.

The investigation

Examination of the event focused on the interaction between the landing gear and the winter weather conditions. The primary mechanical factor identified was the left main gear striking a snowbank during the high-speed ground roll. This obstruction prevented the pilot from maintaining control of the aircraft's trajectory as it attempted to become airborne.

Probable cause

The pilot's loss of control during the takeoff ground roll due to an accumulation of snow, which caused the left main gear to strike a snowbank.

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Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 12 Jan 1993 Cessna 172N accident near Santa FE, NM?

An aircraft attempting to take off from a snow-covered runway lost control during the ground roll, striking a snowbank and nosing over after reaching 45 knots.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 12 Jan 1993 involved a Cessna 172N, registration N734GD, operated by Zia Aviation, at Santa FE, NM.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's loss of control during the takeoff ground roll due to an accumulation of snow, which caused the left main gear to strike a snowbank.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001211X11695. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.