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Casualties unknown

Airplane Impacts Snow Bank During Landing at Fleet Field Airport (N4378Q)

Culver, IN, US

On January 21, 2001, a Cessna 172L (registration N4378Q) was involved in an aviation accident near Culver, IN. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: the proper glide path not attained by both pilots during a short field landing. The snow bank was a contributing factor. 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 short field landing at Fleet Field Airport in Culver, Indiana, an airplane with three certified flight instructors aboard impacted a snow bank at the approach end of the runway, causing the left main landing gear to separate and strike the horizontal stabilizer.

Accident Details

The accident occurred at Fleet Field Airport, Culver, Indiana, during a short field landing. The airplane was occupied by three certified flight instructors (CFIs) who were employed at the accident airport.

Sequence of Events

The right seat pilot was conducting a stabilized approach when the left seat pilot, acting as pilot-in-command, took control of the airplane. The left seat pilot attempted to avoid a snow bank located at the approach end of the runway by executing a go-around. Upon application of engine power, the airplane impacted the snow bank.

Aircraft Damage

As a result of the impact, the left main landing gear separated from the airframe. The separated landing gear subsequently impacted the horizontal stabilizer.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 21 Jan 2001 Cessna 172L accident near Culver, IN?

During a short field landing at Fleet Field Airport in Culver, Indiana, an airplane with three certified flight instructors aboard impacted a snow bank at the approach end of the runway, causing the left main landing gear to separate and strike the horizontal stabilizer.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 21 Jan 2001 involved a Cessna 172L, registration N4378Q, at Culver, IN.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

the proper glide path not attained by both pilots during a short field landing. The snow bank was a contributing factor.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20010124X00348. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.