On February 15, 1997, a Cessna 172 (registration N61914) was involved in an aviation accident near Oconto, WI. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot allowed the airplane to drift to the right side of the runway during takeoff, resulting in impact with a snow drift. 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 takeoff, a pilot allowed the aircraft to drift right, impacting a one-foot-deep snow drift, causing the nose to veer and the airplane to flip over.
Incident Details
A pilot reported that small finger snow drifts were present on the runway at the time of the accident. The drifts measured approximately one foot in depth and extended from the runway edge to about halfway toward the runway centerline.
Pilot Report
The pilot stated that during the takeoff roll, just before rotation, the right wheel of the airplane impacted one of the drifts. This caused the airplane's nose to veer to the right, and the nose wheel to dig into the snow. After hitting the snow drift, the airplane flipped over onto its back.
The pilot acknowledged that he had allowed the airplane to drift over to the right side of the runway during the takeoff roll, which led to the impact with the snow drift.
Probable cause
The pilot allowed the airplane to drift to the right side of the runway during takeoff, resulting in impact with a snow drift.
What happened in the 15 Feb 1997 Cessna 172 accident near Oconto, WI?
During takeoff, a pilot allowed the aircraft to drift right, impacting a one-foot-deep snow drift, causing the nose to veer and the airplane to flip over.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 15 Feb 1997 involved a Cessna 172, registration N61914, at Oconto, WI.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
The pilot allowed the airplane to drift to the right side of the runway during takeoff, resulting in impact with a snow drift.
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