On February 20, 2020, a Cessna 172 S operated by Rocky Mountain Flight Consultants Llc was involved in an aviation accident near Boulder, CO. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's loss of directional control during the landing roll on the slush-covered runway. This summary draws on records from NTSB; 12 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
A pilot and passenger departed from an uncontrolled airport on a snow-packed runway. After about 2 hours of local flight, they returned to land. The runway had become slush-covered due to melting snow, and during the landing rollout, the airplane veered left, struck a snowbank, and nosed over, damaging both wings and the vertical stabilizer.
Accident Overview
A pilot and passenger departed from an uncontrolled airport on a snow-packed runway. After approximately two hours of local flying, they returned to land. The pilot reported that while in the traffic pattern preparing to land, the runway appeared to be in the same condition as during the departure. However, the runway surface had changed: morning sun had melted the snow, leaving the runway slush-covered.
Sequence of Events
During the landing rollout, the airplane veered to the left. The pilot was unable to maintain directional control. The airplane subsequently impacted a snowbank along the edge of the runway and nosed over.
Damage
The impact with the snowbank damaged both wings and the vertical stabilizer. No other damage was reported. No injuries were mentioned in the source.
Frequently asked questions
What happened in the 20 Feb 2020 Cessna 172 S accident near Boulder, CO?
A pilot and passenger departed from an uncontrolled airport on a snow-packed runway. After about 2 hours of local flight, they returned to land. The runway had become slush-covered due to melting snow, and during the landing rollout, the airplane veered left, struck a snowbank, and nosed over, damaging both wings and…
Were there any fatalities in the 20 Feb 2020 Cessna 172 S accident?
No fatalities were recorded in this accident.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 20 Feb 2020 involved a Cessna 172 S, operated by Rocky Mountain Flight Consultants Llc, at Boulder, CO.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
The pilot's loss of directional control during the landing roll on the slush-covered runway.