Casualties unknown

2001-02-28: Cessna 152 (N5236H) — Mankato, MN

Mankato, MN, US

On February 28, 2001, a Cessna 152 (registration N5236H) was involved in an aviation accident near Mankato, MN. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The student pilot's failure to maintain directional control during the landing. Factors relating to the accident were the student pilot's lack of total experience, the icy runway, the strong crosswind, the wind gusts, and the snowbank. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 8 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 1781061362Data APIEditorial standards

A solo student pilot bounced and ballooned on landing, then a crosswind and icy runway led to a runway excursion into a snowbank.

Accident Details

A solo student pilot was attempting to land on runway 15. During the initial touchdown, the airplane bounced and ballooned slightly. The student pilot reported that a crosswind blew the airplane to the left, and the icy runway conditions made correction difficult. The airplane subsequently departed the runway and struck a snowbank.

Investigation Findings

An examination of the airplane revealed no anomalies that would have contributed to the accident. The reported wind conditions at the time of the accident were 230 degrees at 20 knots with gusts to 27 knots.

Sequence of Events

The student pilot's landing attempt began normally, but after the first touchdown, the airplane bounced back into the air. The ballooning was slight, but during the subsequent descent, the crosswind pushed the aircraft left of the runway centerline. The pilot attempted to correct, but the icy runway surface reduced braking and steering effectiveness. The airplane exited the runway and came to rest after impacting a snowbank.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20010306X00543. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.