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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

January 21, 2001 · Cessna 172L · N4378Q

Culver, IN

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
January 21, 2001
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (3 uninjured)
Location
Culver, IN
Aircraft
Cessna 172L
Tail Number
N4378Q
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
CHI01LA069

The airplane impacted a snow bank located at the approach end of the runway during a short field landing at the Fleet Field Airport, Culver, Indiana. The three certified flight instructors (CFIs) aboard the airplane were employed as CFIs at the accident airport. The right seat pilot was flying a stabilized approach when the left seat pilot, acting as pilot-in-command, took over the controls in an attempt to avoid the snow bank by executing a go-around. At the application of engine power, the airplane impacted the snow bank and left main landing gear separated from the airframe and impacted the horizontal stabilizer.

NTSB Probable Cause

the proper glide path not attained by both pilots during a short field landing. The snow bank was a contributing factor.

Full Narrative

On January 21, 2001, at 1555 eastern standard time, a Cessna 172L, N4378Q, piloted by a certified flight instructor, was substantially damaged during a short field landing on runway 34 (2,400 feet by 65 feet, asphalt) at the Fleet Field Airport, Culver, Indiana. The airplane impacted a snow bank along the final approach path to the runway. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time of the accident. The 14 CFR Part 91 personal flight was not operating on a flight plan. All three certified flight instructors aboard reported no injuries. The flight departed from the Fulton County Airport, Rochester, Indiana, at time unknown. The pilot reported, "We were performing a short field landing into a short field (Fleet Field). We had a stabilized approach to the field at 60 mph. We cleared the obstructions at the edge of the runway (trees), and then proceeded to landing. Upon reaching the runway threshold we noticed that the snow had been piled up at the end of the runway. We realized that we were not going to clear the snow pile and proceeded to execute a go-around. By the time the power was added we hit the snow. The left main landing gear came off upon impact. It then struck the horizontal stabilizer. I managed to keep the plane on the two remaining gear until the wings would no longer support lift. The plane then veered off the left side of the runway and came to rest in a snow bank... ." During a telephone interview, the pilot stated that he has made 1000's of landings at the Fleet Field Airport where he and the two other certified flight instructors work as flight instructors. He stated that they were practicing short field landings with the pilot in the right seat at the controls. The left seat pilot took over the controls.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time15:55 EST
Nearest AirportFleet Field (0nm)
Runway34
Runway Length2400 ft
Runway Width60 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftCessna 172L
Tail NumberN4378Q
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsTextron Lyc. · 032E2D · Reciprocating · 160
Seats4

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (3 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured3
Total3
Crew 1Age 21 · First Class · None
Crew 2Age 22 · Second Class · None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind230° @ 9 kt
Visibility8 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point25 C / 18 C
Altimeter30.29 inHg
Observation Time19:53
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data