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Aircraft Slides into Snow Bank After Landing on Ice-Patched Runway (N53637)

Lambertville, MI, US

On January 5, 1999, a Cessna 172P (registration N53637) was involved in an aviation accident near Lambertville, MI. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: the pilot-in-command's loss of directional control during landing roll. Factors to the accident were the icy terrain condition, crosswind, and the snow bank. 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 a landing on an ice-patched runway, a dual student in control experienced a drift right of centerline with a left crosswind. The flight instructor could not correct with controls or brakes, and the aircraft slid into a three-foot-high snow bank. Post-accident brake testing showed no anomalies.

Incident Details

A dual student was at the controls of the aircraft during the landing approach, flare, and touchdown, according to the pilot-in-command's written statement. The flight instructor reported that upon touchdown at normal speed on the ice-patched 50-foot-wide runway, the aircraft drifted right of the centerline. The instructor noted a contribution from a left crosswind.

Pilot Statements

The flight instructor stated that he was unable to correct the drift using aileron, rudder, and brakes. The aircraft subsequently slid into a three-foot-high snow bank along the edge of the runway.

Post-Accident Inspection

During the post-accident investigation, a functional test of the brake system revealed no anomalies.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 5 Jan 1999 Cessna 172P accident near Lambertville, MI?

During a landing on an ice-patched runway, a dual student in control experienced a drift right of centerline with a left crosswind. The flight instructor could not correct with controls or brakes, and the aircraft slid into a three-foot-high snow bank. Post-accident brake testing showed no anomalies.

Were there any fatalities in the 5 Jan 1999 Cessna 172P accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 5 Jan 1999 involved a Cessna 172P, registration N53637, at Lambertville, MI.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

the pilot-in-command's loss of directional control during landing roll. Factors to the accident were the icy terrain condition, crosswind, and the snow bank.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001204X00019. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.