On February 27, 1994, a Cessna 172RG (registration N4871V) operated by Phyle, Lorrie K was involved in an aviation accident near Frankfort, MI. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during the landing rollout due to drifted snow on the runway. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A pilot attempted a night visual landing at an unattended airport after receiving confirmation that the runway had been cleared of snow by a local resident.
What happened
The pilot obtained a weather briefing before departure and also received information from a local resident at the destination confirming that the runway had been cleared following a recent snowstorm. After completing a two-hour flight, the pilot executed a night visual landing at an unattended airport. During the landing rollout on the 50-foot wide runway, the airplane encountered drifted snow. The pilot was unable to maintain directional control and the airplane swerved into the plowed snowbank on the runway edge.
Findings
The primary factor contributing to the accident was the pilot's inability to maintain directional control during the landing rollout due to drifted snow on the runway surface. The presence of snowbanks on the runway edge further limited recovery options.
Probable cause
The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during the landing rollout due to drifted snow on the runway.
Frequently asked questions
What happened in the 27 Feb 1994 Cessna 172RG accident near Frankfort, MI?
A pilot attempted a night visual landing at an unattended airport after receiving confirmation that the runway had been cleared of snow by a local resident.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 27 Feb 1994 involved a Cessna 172RG, registration N4871V, operated by Phyle, Lorrie K, at Frankfort, MI.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during the landing rollout due to drifted snow on the runway.
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