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Ski-Equipped Tailwheel Airplane Struck Snowbank After Aborted Takeoff (N515N)

North Pole, AK, US

On March 5, 2004, a Cessna 170A (registration N515N) was involved in an aviation accident near North Pole, AK. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's delayed response in initiating an aborted takeoff, which resulted in an overrun and collision with a snowbank. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.

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

A private pilot attempted takeoff in a ski-equipped tailwheel airplane on a snow-covered runway. The airplane did not accelerate normally, lifted off and settled three times before the pilot aborted. The airplane overran the runway and collided with a snowbank, causing substantial damage.

Accident Details

A private certificated pilot was conducting a takeoff in a ski-equipped tailwheel airplane from a snow-covered runway. The pilot reported that the airplane did not accelerate as quickly as it normally did, which he attributed to the snow condition.

Sequence of Events

During the takeoff attempt, the airplane lifted off and settled onto the runway three times before the pilot decided to abort the takeoff. However, he was unable to stop the airplane on the remaining runway length, and it ran off the end. The airplane subsequently collided with a snowbank, sustaining substantial damage to the wings, fuselage, and horizontal stabilizer.

Pilot Report

In his report to the National Transportation Safety Board, the pilot stated that the accident could have been prevented "by aborting the takeoff in a timely manner."

Runway excursion

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 5 Mar 2004 Cessna 170A accident near North Pole, AK?

A private pilot attempted takeoff in a ski-equipped tailwheel airplane on a snow-covered runway. The airplane did not accelerate normally, lifted off and settled three times before the pilot aborted. The airplane overran the runway and collided with a snowbank, causing substantial damage.

Were there any fatalities in the 5 Mar 2004 Cessna 170A accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 5 Mar 2004 involved a Cessna 170A, registration N515N, at North Pole, AK.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's delayed response in initiating an aborted takeoff, which resulted in an overrun and collision with a snowbank.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20040309X00298. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.