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Student Pilot Veers Off Runway During First Solo, Strikes Snow Bank (N5321D)

Holland, MI, US

On December 4, 2002, a Cessna 172N (registration N5321D) was involved in an aviation accident near Holland, MI. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The student pilot failed to maintain directional control during landing roll. Additional factors include the student pilot's lack of total flight experience, the CFI's inadequate supervision, and the ice and snow on the runway. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 1 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

A student pilot on his first solo flight veered off the runway after landing, striking a snow bank. The runway was covered with snow and ice.

Accident Details

The airplane sustained substantial damage after veering off the runway and colliding with a snow bank. The student pilot, who had accumulated 10.4 hours of flight time, was conducting his first solo instructional flight.

Flight and Landing

After departing, the student entered a left-hand traffic pattern for a full-stop landing. He reported maintaining 65 KIAS on final approach and extending the flaps to 30 degrees. He stated that he "made a perfect landing on the center of runway 26."

Loss of Control

Following touchdown, the airplane began to drift left. The student added right rudder to bring the nose wheel back to the centerline. However, he reported, "The plane did not respond as I was on the ice on the side of the runway." The airplane subsequently veered off the runway and struck a 12- to 16-inch-high snow bank at the side of the runway.

Runway Condition

Inspection of the runway revealed that it was covered with snow and ice.

Related events

Same aircraft family

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Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 4 Dec 2002 Cessna 172N accident near Holland, MI?

A student pilot on his first solo flight veered off the runway after landing, striking a snow bank. The runway was covered with snow and ice.

Were there any fatalities in the 4 Dec 2002 Cessna 172N accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 4 Dec 2002 involved a Cessna 172N, registration N5321D, at Holland, MI.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The student pilot failed to maintain directional control during landing roll. Additional factors include the student pilot's lack of total flight experience, the CFI's inadequate supervision, and the ice and snow on the runway.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20021211X05591. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.