No fatalities

Pilot Reports Loss of Directional Control on Snowy Runway at Omak Airport (N120L)

Omak, WA, US

On December 26, 1998, a Cessna 120 (registration N120L) operated by Marsh, Travis, V. was involved in an aviation accident near Omak, WA. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot-in-command's failure to maintain directional control. Contributing factors were the snow covered runway and a snowbank (berm) at the runway's edge. 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

A pilot with 95 total hours reported that after landing on runway 17 at Omak Airport, the aircraft departed the runway and nosed over after impacting a snowbank.

Accident Overview

The pilot-in-command, who had accumulated 95 total flight hours including 80 hours on the make and model, reported that upon touchdown on runway 17 at the Omak airport, the aircraft experienced a slight bounce. The subsequent touchdown was left of the runway centerline and at a slight angle.

Runway Conditions

The runway surface was covered with a thin layer of snow. The pilot attempted to regain directional control using brakes and rudder but was unsuccessful.

Sequence of Events

After the loss of directional control, the aircraft departed the runway at approximately a 45-degree angle from the centerline. It then impacted a snowbank, or berm, located along the east edge of the runway, causing the aircraft to nose over.

Pilot Statement

The pilot reported that there was no mechanical malfunction with the aircraft. Wind conditions were recorded at 4 knots from 070 degrees magnetic.

Additional Information

No further details regarding the aircraft or occupants were provided in the initial report.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 26 Dec 1998 Cessna 120 accident near Omak, WA?

A pilot with 95 total hours reported that after landing on runway 17 at Omak Airport, the aircraft departed the runway and nosed over after impacting a snowbank.

Were there any fatalities in the 26 Dec 1998 Cessna 120 accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 26 Dec 1998 involved a Cessna 120, registration N120L, operated by Marsh, Travis, V., at Omak, WA.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot-in-command's failure to maintain directional control. Contributing factors were the snow covered runway and a snowbank (berm) at the runway's edge.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001211X11636. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.