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Aviation safety reports, made easier to study

NTSB Reports is an independent research and search tool for public aviation accident and incident records. It brings NTSB aviation reports, structured fields, docket files, extracted figures, photos, videos, and update history into one searchable interface.

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NTSB Report

December 11, 1996 · Cessna 152 · N68180

Mansfield, MA

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
December 11, 1996
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
Mansfield, MA
Aircraft
Cessna 152
Tail Number
N68180
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
NYC97LA028

The student pilot attempted a practice soft field takeoff on an asphalt runway. He stated that he applied insufficient rudder during the takeoff roll, and the airplane veered left into a snowbank and nosed over. Examination of the airplane revealed no preimpact failure of the airplane or brake system. At the time of the accident, the runway was dry, and the wind was calm. The student pilot had 21 hours of total solo flight time.

NTSB Probable Cause

the student pilot's failure to maintain directional control during the takeoff roll, which resulted in the airplane veering into a snowbank. The proximity of the snowbank was a related factor.

Full Narrative

On December 11, 1996, at 1140 eastern standard time, a Cessna 152, N68180, was substantially damaged when it collided with a snow bank during the takeoff roll at the Mansfield Municipal Airport, Mansfield, Massachusetts. The student pilot was not injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the solo flight that originated at Mansfield. No flight plan had been filed for the local flight conducted under 14 CFR Part 91. In the NTSB Form 6120.1/2, the student pilot (SP) stated that he attempted a practice soft field takeoff on the asphalt runway at Mansfield. He further stated: "...Insufficient rudder control at full power caused aircraft to veer left off runway and into snow. Power was cut and as aircraft lost momentum nosewheel sank causing aircraft to flip over." According to a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Inspector, examination of the airplane revealed no preimpact failures of the airplane or brake system. The FAA Inspector also reported that at the time of the accident, the runway was dry and the winds were calm. The SP's total flying experience was about 75 hours in make and model, of which 21 hours were solo flight.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time11:40 EST
Nearest AirportMansfield Municipal (0nm)
Runway32
Runway Length3498 ft
Runway Width75 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftCessna 152
Tail NumberN68180
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-235-L2C · Reciprocating · 110
Seats2

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (1 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total1
Crew 1Age 46 · Third Class

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
WindCalm
Visibility7 sm
CeilingBroken clouds 10000 ft
Temperature / Dew Point45 C / 0 C
Altimeter30.00 inHg
Observation Time16:45
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data