On March 8, 1999, a Cessna 170B (registration N432W) was involved in an aviation accident near Grand Ledge, MI. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: the flight instructor's failure to successfully take remedial action to maintain directional control of the airplane during the landing roll out. Factors were the crosswinds and snowbank. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
During a training exercise, an instructor simulated an engine roughness after takeoff. The student turned back for landing, but a gust of wind during rollout caused the aircraft to veer into a snowbank and nose over.
Incident Overview
A training flight encountered difficulties when a simulation exercise led to an unexpected outcome. The instructor pilot, who was conducting the session, reported that after takeoff from Runway 9, he reduced engine power to simulate a rough running engine. In response, the student pilot turned the aircraft back toward Runway 27 and executed a landing.
The Landing and Gust Event
During the landing rollout, a sudden and unexpected gust of wind from the south caused the aircraft to turn to the left. The student pilot stated that the airplane subsequently impacted a snowbank located off the south side of the runway. The impact resulted in the aircraft nosing over.
Sequence of Events
The instructor reduced power after departure to create a simulated engine malfunction scenario.
The student maneuvered the aircraft to return to the runway in the opposite direction (Runway 27) and landed.
While rolling out, a gust from the south induced a left turn.
The aircraft left the runway surface and struck a snowbank, causing it to nose over.
No further details regarding the aircraft, injuries, or damage were provided in the available information.