On February 5, 2004, a Cessna 172R (registration N5165M) operated by Fredrick Flight Center was involved in an aviation accident near Fredrick, MD. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The student pilot's failure to maintain directional control during the landing rollout, which resulted in an off-runway impact with a snow bank. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 2 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
A student pilot lost directional control during a landing rollout, veering left into a snow bank. The aircraft sustained damage, but there was no mechanical failure involved in the incident.
What happened
The accident occurred during the landing phase of a flight that marked the student pilot's first solo operation. Upon touchdown, the airplane began to veer significantly to the left side of the runway. In an attempt to correct the deviation and maintain alignment with the runway centerline, the student pilot applied full right rudder input.
Despite this corrective action, directional control could not be maintained. The aircraft continued its uncontrolled path off the paved surface and impacted a snow bank located along the left side of the runway. There was no evidence of any mechanical malfunction contributing to the loss of control.
Probable cause
The student pilot's failure to maintain directional control during the landing rollout, which resulted in an off-runway impact with a snow bank.
What happened in the 5 Feb 2004 Cessna 172R accident near Fredrick, MD?
A student pilot lost directional control during a landing rollout, veering left into a snow bank. The aircraft sustained damage, but there was no mechanical failure involved in the incident.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 5 Feb 2004 involved a Cessna 172R, registration N5165M, operated by Fredrick Flight Center, at Fredrick, MD.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
The student pilot's failure to maintain directional control during the landing rollout, which resulted in an off-runway impact with a snow bank.
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