On 15 Sep 2012, a CESSNA 172K was involved in an aviation accident near Atqasuk, AK. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The student pilot failed to maintain directional control of the aircraft while conducting a high-speed taxi in windy weather conditions. This summary draws on records from NTSB; 12 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
A student pilot lost directional control of a Cessna 172K during a high-speed taxi, resulting in the aircraft sliding into a riverbed.
What happened
On September 15, 2012, a Cessna 172K, registration N84549, was involved in a ground accident at Atqasuk, Alaska. During a high-speed taxi, the student pilot reported that wind conditions caused the aircraft to be pushed sideways. The airplane subsequently entered a shallow riverbed and nosed over. There were no injuries resulting from the event.
The aircraft sustained substantial damage to its wings and vertical stabilizer. At the time of the accident, weather conditions were VMC with a visibility of 9 statute miles and winds from 280 degrees at 12 knots.
Probable cause
The student pilot failed to maintain directional control of the aircraft while conducting a high-speed taxi in windy weather conditions.
Contributing factors
Causes
Student pilotDirectional control — Not attained/maintained