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Aviation safety reports, made easier to study

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NTSB Report

January 14, 2006 · Cessna 120 · N76203

Hibbing, MN

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
January 14, 2006
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
Hibbing, MN
Aircraft
Cessna 120
Tail Number
N76203
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
CHI06CA066

The ski equipped airplane nosed over while landing on a frozen lake. The pilot reported that when he departed another seaplane base, the surface was very rough due to frozen slush created by snow mobiles. He reported that when he touched down on the frozen lake, he heard a "loud grinding" noise and the airplane slowed down rapidly. The pilot stated that the grinding noise stopped then started again only much louder. He reported that the nose of the airplane dropped and the propeller contacted the ice. The pilot reported that the airplane then dropped to the right and flipped over onto its back. The pilot reported that the ground track from the left ski was "rounded" at initial touchdown followed by a space then a much narrower and deeper track. He reported that the four quarter-inch bolts sheared off between the axle and the gear leg on the left ski.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot used a rough frozen lake for takeoff which resulted in the overload failure of the landing ski. A factor was the rough frozen lake.

Full Narrative

The ski equipped airplane nosed over while landing on a frozen lake. The pilot reported that when he departed another seaplane base, the surface was very rough due frozen slush created by snow mobiles. He reported that when he touched down on the frozen lake, he heard a "loud grinding" noise and the airplane slowed down rapidly. The pilot stated the grinding noise stopped then started again only much louder. He reported the nose of the airplane dropped and the propeller contacted the ice. The pilot reported the airplane then dropped to the right and flipped over onto its back. The pilot reported the ground track from the left ski was "rounded" at initial touchdown followed by a space then a much narrower and deeper track. He reported the four quarter-inch bolts sheared off between the axle and the gear leg on the left ski.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time13:00 CST
Nearest Airport0nm
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo

Aircraft

AircraftCessna 120
Tail NumberN76203
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsContinental · C-85 · Reciprocating

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (1 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total1
Crew 1Age 51 · Third Class · None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind150° @ 8 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingOvercast 7000 ft
Temperature / Dew Point25 C / 18 C
Altimeter29.98 inHg
Observation Time13:53
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data