No fatalities

Aircraft Flips Over After Colliding with Snow Bank During Touch-and-Go Landing on Plowed Road

Vineland, MN, United States

On February 24, 2013, a CESSNA 172A operated by TROY MINSKE was involved in an aviation accident near Vineland, MN. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot’s decision to attempt a touch-and-go landing on a narrow, ice-covered road with snow banks on each side. This summary draws on records from NTSB; 12 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

SourcesNTSBPrimary reportUpdated 2026-08-03Data APIEditorial standards

During a touch-and-go landing on a frozen lake, a pilot chose a plowed road with snow banks. The aircraft skidded on rough ice, struck a snow bank, and flipped over, sustaining substantial damage.

Accident Overview

A pilot conducting a touch-and-go landing on a frozen, snow-covered lake experienced a loss of control after encountering a rough area on the ice. The aircraft skidded to the left, and the left main landing gear contacted a snow bank on the side of the road. The impact caused the airplane to flip over, resulting in substantial damage.

Flight Details

Prior to attempting the landing, the pilot performed a low pass over the lake to assess surface conditions. He then selected a narrow, plowed road bordered by snow banks as the landing surface. During the touch-and-go, the airplane hit a rough patch on the ice-covered road, causing it to veer left. The left main gear struck the snow bank, and the aircraft overturned.

Damage

The accident resulted in substantial damage to the cowling, wings, vertical stabilizer, and rudder. The pilot reported no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures that would have prevented normal operation.

Contributing factors

Pilot

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 24 Feb 2013 CESSNA 172A accident near Vineland, MN?

During a touch-and-go landing on a frozen lake, a pilot chose a plowed road with snow banks. The aircraft skidded on rough ice, struck a snow bank, and flipped over, sustaining substantial damage.

Were there any fatalities in the 24 Feb 2013 CESSNA 172A accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 24 Feb 2013 involved a CESSNA 172A, operated by TROY MINSKE, at Vineland, MN.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot’s decision to attempt a touch-and-go landing on a narrow, ice-covered road with snow banks on each side.