On March 3, 2002, a Cessna 172N (registration N5413J) operated by Flatirons Aviation was involved in an aviation accident near Longmont, CO. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The student pilot's failure to maintain directional control during landing. Factors included the student pilot's lack of experience, an icy runway, and a mound of snow adjacent to the runway. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 3 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
A student pilot flying solo reported that during landing on an icy runway, the aircraft hit a patch of ice, skidded left, struck a snow mound with the nosewheel, and flipped onto its back. No mechanical failure was involved.
Accident Details
A student pilot flying solo was performing a landing on a runway reported to be icy. The pilot attempted a soft field landing at an indicated airspeed of 60 knots. After slowing to 30 knots, the aircraft encountered a patch of ice. The airplane subsequently skidded to the left, and the nosewheel struck a large mound of snow. The impact caused the aircraft to flip onto its back.
Pilot Report
According to the student pilot, no mechanical failure or malfunction contributed to the accident. The pilot noted that the landing surface conditions were icy at the time of the incident. The pilot was the sole occupant of the aircraft. The landing was conducted as a solo flight, and the pilot stated that the aircraft's systems and controls were functioning normally throughout the approach and landing.
What happened in the 3 Mar 2002 Cessna 172N accident near Longmont, CO?
A student pilot flying solo reported that during landing on an icy runway, the aircraft hit a patch of ice, skidded left, struck a snow mound with the nosewheel, and flipped onto its back. No mechanical failure was involved.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 3 Mar 2002 involved a Cessna 172N, registration N5413J, operated by Flatirons Aviation, at Longmont, CO.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
The student pilot's failure to maintain directional control during landing. Factors included the student pilot's lack of experience, an icy runway, and a mound of snow adjacent to the runway.
A SkyWalk Join't 3 paraglider crashed into the ground near Las Vizcachas, Chile, on September 1, 2024. The pilot and passenger sustained serious spinal…
PARAPENTE (ULTRALIVIANO NO MOTORIZADO)·2024-09-01DGAC Chile
A Cessna 172N struck electrical cables while on final approach to land at Aucó Aerodrome in Chile. The pilot was uninjured, but the aircraft sustained damage…
A Bombardier DHC-8-402 suffered a tail strike during landing at Puerto Williams on September 9, 2024. All 76 occupants were unharmed, but the aircraft…
A MYD JS-MD 3 glider veered off the runway and struck a wall at Vitacura Aerodrome on January 6, 2025. The pilot was uninjured, but the aircraft sustained…
A recreational paraglider flight in Puchuncaví, Chile, ended with the pilot sustaining serious injuries after a rapid descent and impact with a hillside on…
PARAPENTE (ULTRALIVIANO NO MOTORIZADO)·2025-03-29DGAC Chile
A Tecnam P2006T landed on its belly at an aerodrome in Poland after the crew failed to confirm landing gear deployment. The incident resulted in no injuries…