No fatalities

Student Pilot Loses Directional Control During Soft Field Takeoff Practice (N68180)

Mansfield, MA, US

On December 11, 1996, a Cessna 152 (registration N68180) was involved in an aviation accident near Mansfield, MA. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: the student pilot's failure to maintain directional control during the takeoff roll, which resulted in the airplane veering into a snowbank. The proximity of the snowbank was a related factor. 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 attempting a practice soft field takeoff on an asphalt runway veered left into a snowbank and nosed over due to insufficient rudder application. No preimpact mechanical failure was found.

Accident Details

A student pilot was conducting a practice soft field takeoff on an asphalt runway. According to the pilot, he applied insufficient rudder during the takeoff roll. The airplane subsequently veered left, departed the runway surface, and entered a snowbank, where it nosed over.

Post-accident examination of the airplane revealed no evidence of preimpact failure of the airframe or brake system. The runway was reported as dry, and wind conditions were calm at the time of the accident.

Aircraft and Pilot Information

The student pilot had accumulated a total of 21 hours of solo flight time. No information regarding the aircraft type, registration, or engine count was provided in the source.

Probable Cause

The official accident investigation source did not state a probable cause.

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Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 11 Dec 1996 Cessna 152 accident near Mansfield, MA?

A student pilot attempting a practice soft field takeoff on an asphalt runway veered left into a snowbank and nosed over due to insufficient rudder application. No preimpact mechanical failure was found.

Were there any fatalities in the 11 Dec 1996 Cessna 152 accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 11 Dec 1996 involved a Cessna 152, registration N68180, at Mansfield, MA.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

the student pilot's failure to maintain directional control during the takeoff roll, which resulted in the airplane veering into a snowbank. The proximity of the snowbank was a related factor.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001208X07230. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.