On February 18, 1995, a Cessna 172 (registration N79569) was involved in an aviation accident near Holland, MI. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The instructor relaxed too much during the takeoff. 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.
During a training takeoff, a student pilot's airplane drifted left, struck a snowbank, and flipped onto its back. The instructor reported relaxing excessively during the maneuver.
Accident Details
A student pilot, under the supervision of an instructor, was practicing a soft field takeoff. During the takeoff roll, the student corrected for a left drift. After becoming airborne, the airplane again drifted to the left. The left main landing gear tire struck a three-foot-high snowbank located on the edge of the runway. The impact pulled the airplane's nose to the left, causing the nose gear tire to also collide with the snowbank. The airplane then flipped onto its back and slid to a stop.
Instructor Statement
The instructor stated that prior to the accident flight, he had discussed crosswind takeoff techniques with the student. He further noted that he had relaxed too much during the takeoff.
Probable cause
The instructor relaxed too much during the takeoff.
What happened in the 18 Feb 1995 Cessna 172 accident near Holland, MI?
During a training takeoff, a student pilot's airplane drifted left, struck a snowbank, and flipped onto its back. The instructor reported relaxing excessively during the maneuver.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 18 Feb 1995 involved a Cessna 172, registration N79569, at Holland, MI.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
The instructor relaxed too much during the takeoff.
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