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Student Pilot's Takeoff Ends in Nose-Over After Striking Snow Bank (N5321D)

Holland, MI, US

On February 23, 2007, 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's inadequate compensation for the crosswind condition and his failure to maintain directional control during the takeoff, which caused the airplane to impact the snow bank and nose over. 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 was not injured when the airplane struck a snow bank at the runway edge during takeoff and nosed over. The pilot reported a left drift at about 45 knots that could not be corrected with rudder or braking.

Accident Details

During takeoff on runway 8, a student pilot experienced a loss of directional control. The airplane began drifting left at approximately 45 knots during the takeoff roll. The pilot applied right rudder but the drift continued. He then applied the brake and reduced engine power, but the airplane subsequently struck a snow bank adjacent to the runway edge and nosed over, resulting in substantial damage.

The pilot reported that start-up, taxi, and before takeoff inspection were normal. Wind information was missing from the automated weather broadcast at the departure airport. Based on his observation of the wind sock, he estimated winds from 160 degrees at 8 knots. Runway 8 is 6,264 feet long and 100 feet wide, with an asphalt surface.

Investigation

A post-accident inspection did not reveal any anomalies with the brakes or nose wheel steering consistent with a pre-impact failure. The student pilot was not injured.

Related events

Same aircraft family

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Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 23 Feb 2007 Cessna 172N accident near Holland, MI?

A student pilot was not injured when the airplane struck a snow bank at the runway edge during takeoff and nosed over. The pilot reported a left drift at about 45 knots that could not be corrected with rudder or braking.

Were there any fatalities in the 23 Feb 2007 Cessna 172N accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 23 Feb 2007 involved a Cessna 172N, registration N5321D, at Holland, MI.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The student pilot's inadequate compensation for the crosswind condition and his failure to maintain directional control during the takeoff, which caused the airplane to impact the snow bank and nose over. Contributing factors were the crosswind and the snow bank along the edge of 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/20070313X00284. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.