On February 14, 2003, a Cessna 172 (registration N693SA) operated by American Wings Academy was involved in an aviation accident near Clare, MI. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The student pilot failed to maintain directional control of the airplane during takeoff roll. A factor was the snow bank. 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.
A student pilot on a solo cross-country flight reported pulling the nose up too soon during takeoff, causing the airplane to veer left, depart the runway, and strike a snow bank, resulting in substantial damage.
Incident Overview
A student pilot conducting a solo cross-country instructional flight experienced a runway excursion during takeoff. The airplane veered off the runway and collided with a snow bank, sustaining substantial damage.
Pilot Account
The student pilot, who had accumulated 38 hours of total flight time, reported that she “pulled the nose up too soon” during the takeoff roll. As she attempted to lower the nose, the airplane veered to the left. She reduced engine power but was unable to prevent the aircraft from departing the runway and impacting a snow bank on the left side of the runway.
Damage
The airplane was substantially damaged in the incident. No further details regarding injuries or other damage were provided in the report.
What happened in the 14 Feb 2003 Cessna 172 accident near Clare, MI?
A student pilot on a solo cross-country flight reported pulling the nose up too soon during takeoff, causing the airplane to veer left, depart the runway, and strike a snow bank, resulting in substantial damage.
Were there any fatalities in the 14 Feb 2003 Cessna 172 accident?
No fatalities were recorded in this accident.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 14 Feb 2003 involved a Cessna 172, registration N693SA, operated by American Wings Academy, at Clare, MI.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
The student pilot failed to maintain directional control of the airplane during takeoff roll. A factor was the snow bank.
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