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Airplane Strikes Snow Bank and Noses Over During Landing Rollout (N79212)

Leadville, CO, US

On May 8, 1996, a Cessna 172K (registration N79212) was involved in an aviation accident near Leadville, CO. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: the pilot's failure to adequately compensate for the wind conditions and to maintain directional control. Factors were: the gusting cross wind and the pilot's lack of total experience in make and model of aircraft. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.

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

During the landing rollout following a cross-country flight, an airplane encountered a gust of wind, exited the side of runway 16, and struck a snow bank. The impact sheared off the nose landing gear, causing the airplane to nose over.

Accident Sequence

The pilot was nearing the completion of a cross-country flight. During the landing rollout on runway 16, the airplane encountered a gust of wind and exited the side of the runway. Subsequently, the airplane struck a snow bank, which sheared off the nose landing gear and caused the airplane to nose over.

Pilot Information

The pilot reported having 125.8 hours of total flight experience. Of that, 2.7 hours were in the accident airplane make and model, with 1.3 hours as pilot-in-command.

Weather Conditions

The wind at the time of the accident was from 220 degrees at 10 knots, with gusts to 21 knots.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 8 May 1996 Cessna 172K accident near Leadville, CO?

During the landing rollout following a cross-country flight, an airplane encountered a gust of wind, exited the side of runway 16, and struck a snow bank. The impact sheared off the nose landing gear, causing the airplane to nose over.

Were there any fatalities in the 8 May 1996 Cessna 172K accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 8 May 1996 involved a Cessna 172K, registration N79212, at Leadville, CO.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

the pilot's failure to adequately compensate for the wind conditions and to maintain directional control. Factors were: the gusting cross wind and the pilot's lack of total experience in make and model of aircraft.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001208X05756. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.