Premium research interface

The modern interface for aviation safety intelligence.

Search investigations, review source evidence, monitor watched reports, and trace long-term patterns from one calm, data-first workspace.

63k+
Reports indexed
1940-2026
Coverage
Recent
Last data refresh
Featured Report

Loading…

Loading featured report…

Loading…
Open Report

Safety trends by operating rule

Track fatal and non-fatal accident patterns across Part 91, Part 135, and Part 121 operations.

Loading trend charts…

Browse the aviation graph

Move quickly by aircraft, airport, operator, and time with indexes built for research, not wandering.

Last Data Update

By Decade

By Month

Aircraft Manufacturer

More manufacturers

Airports

More airports

Operators

More operators

About

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.

The goal is practical safety education: make it faster to find relevant investigations, compare similar events, review factual records, and understand the evidence behind probable-cause and preliminary reports.

The investigative work and source records belong to the National Transportation Safety Board and the published investigation record. This site is not affiliated with or endorsed by the NTSB.

FAQs

NTSB Report

December 4, 2002 · Cessna 172N · N5321D

Holland, MI

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
December 4, 2002
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
Holland, MI
Aircraft
Cessna 172N
Tail Number
N5321D
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
CHI03LA035

The airplane sustained substantial damage when it veered off the runway and struck a snow bank. The student pilot had a total of 10.4 hours of flight time when he departed on his first solo instructional flight. He departed and entered a left hand traffic pattern for a full stop landing. He reported that he maintained 65 KIAS on final and extended the flaps to 30 degrees and "made a perfect landing on the center of runway 26." The airplane drifted left so he added right rudder to get the nose wheel back on centerline. He reported, "The plane did not respond as I was on the ice on the side of the runway." The airplane veered off the runway and hit a 12-16 inch high snow bank on the side of the runway. The inspection of the runway revealed it was covered with snow and ice.

NTSB Probable Cause

The student pilot failed to maintain directional control during landing roll. Additional factors include the student pilot's lack of total flight experience, the CFI's inadequate supervision, and the ice and snow on the runway.

Full Narrative

On December 4, 2002, at 1320 eastern standard time, a Cessna 172N, N5321D, operated by Tulip City Air Service, sustained substantial damage when it veered off runway 26 (5,000 feet by 100 feet, asphalt) and struck a snow bank. The solo student pilot was not injured. The 14 CFR Part 91 solo instructional flight was practicing takeoffs and landings at the Tulip City Airport (BIV), Holland, Michigan. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and no flight plan was filed. The student pilot reported that he had flown two normal takeoffs and landings in the traffic pattern at BIV, and one takeoff and a simulated engine failure with a landing at BIV with his flight instructor prior to the accident flight. The student pilot reported that the flight instructor "felt that I was ready to solo and I agreed." The student pilot had a total of 10.4 hours of flight time. The student pilot departed runway 26 at BIV on his first solo instructional flight. He entered a left hand traffic pattern for a full stop landing. He reported that he maintained 65 KIAS on final and the glide slope indicators showed two red and two white lights. He reported he extended the flaps to 30 degrees and "made a perfect landing on the center of runway 26." He reported the airplane drifted left of the runway so he added right rudder to get the nose wheel back on centerline. He reported, "The plane did not respond as I was on the ice on the side of the runway." The airplane veered off the runway and hit a 12-16 inch high snow bank on the side of the runway. He reported the landing gear hit the hardened snow bank and the nose and propeller hit the ground. He reported that the airplane tipped and banked to the right, and the right wing hit the snow bank. A Federal Aviation Administration operations inspector reported that BIV runway 26 was covered with snow and ice. The reported winds at BIV were 170 degrees at 6 knots.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time13:20 EST
Nearest AirportTulip City Airport (0nm N)
Runway26
Runway Length5000 ft
Runway Width100 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo

Aircraft

AircraftCessna 172N
Tail NumberN5321D
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-320-H2AD · Reciprocating · 150
Seats4

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (1 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total1
Crew 1Age 49 · Third Class · None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind170° @ 6 kt
Visibility3 sm
CeilingOvercast 1900 ft
Temperature / Dew Point21 C / 18 C
Altimeter30.50 inHg
Observation Time17:05
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data