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Ski-Equipped Aircraft Noses Over During Snow Takeoff Practice (N3070N)

Trenton, ME, US

On January 25, 2001, a Cessna 120 (registration N3070N) was involved in an aviation accident near Trenton, ME. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's improper touchdown in the snow after the airplane became prematurely airborne during an attempted takeoff. A factor was the pilot's inadequate training. 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 tailwheel aircraft equipped with skis nosed over during a takeoff practice in snow after prematurely lifting off over a berm, resulting in damage to the left wing and propeller.

Accident Details

A pilot was conducting a flight with the purpose of practicing takeoffs and landings in snow conditions. The aircraft, a tailwheel configuration fitted with skis, was taking off when it lifted off prematurely after crossing a small berm. The airplane then descended back onto the snow. During the descent, the left ski submerged beneath the snow surface, and the left wing tip and propeller struck the snow. The aircraft subsequently nosed over and came to rest inverted.

Pilot Information

The pilot reported having a total of 130 hours of flight experience, of which 30 hours were in the same make and model and 12 hours were on skis. The pilot stated that he had no formal instruction in operating ski-equipped airplanes and that there were no mechanical deficiencies with the aircraft.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 25 Jan 2001 Cessna 120 accident near Trenton, ME?

A tailwheel aircraft equipped with skis nosed over during a takeoff practice in snow after prematurely lifting off over a berm, resulting in damage to the left wing and propeller.

Were there any fatalities in the 25 Jan 2001 Cessna 120 accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 25 Jan 2001 involved a Cessna 120, registration N3070N, at Trenton, ME.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's improper touchdown in the snow after the airplane became prematurely airborne during an attempted takeoff. A factor was the pilot's inadequate training.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20010202X00385. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.