Casualties unknown

Pilot Executes Go-Around, Veers Off Runway into Snow Bank (N5935G)

Helena, MT, US

On January 4, 1997, a Cessna 150K (registration N5935G) operated by Butte Aviation was involved in an aviation accident near Helena, MT. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to maintain directional control. 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 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

After a normal touchdown on runway 27, a pilot initiated a touch-and-go but lost directional control, veering left off the runway and hitting a snow bank.

Accident Sequence

A pilot reported that during a landing on runway 27, the flare was executed slightly high, but the landing was continued and the touchdown occurred without difficulty. During the landing roll-out, the pilot recalled a requirement to complete a touch-and-go maneuver and applied power for a go-around. As the airplane accelerated, it began to veer to the left. The pilot attempted to correct the deviation with right rudder input but was unable to regain directional control. The airplane continued off the left side of the runway and subsequently collided with a snow bank.

Pilot Statement

The pilot stated that the landing itself was uneventful, with the flare being slightly high yet the touchdown normal. The decision to perform a touch-and-go was made during the roll-out, after which the loss of directional control occurred despite corrective rudder application. No further details about the aircraft, conditions, or outcomes were provided in the report.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 4 Jan 1997 Cessna 150K accident near Helena, MT?

After a normal touchdown on runway 27, a pilot initiated a touch-and-go but lost directional control, veering left off the runway and hitting a snow bank.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 4 Jan 1997 involved a Cessna 150K, registration N5935G, operated by Butte Aviation, at Helena, MT.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's failure to maintain directional control.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001208X07359. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.