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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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March 10, 2020 · Cessna 172 N · N52168

Big Lake, AK

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
March 10, 2020
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (2 uninjured)
Location
Big Lake, AK
Aircraft
Cessna 172 N (1979)
Tail Number
N52168
Operator
Flight Safety Alaska
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
ANC20CA032

The pilot reported that he was attempting to take off from a snow-covered runway and that, during the first attempt, the airplane failed to generate enough airspeed, so he aborted the takeoff and exited the runway. On his second attempt, he chose to begin the takeoff roll with a high-speed taxi on a taxiway before turning 90° to enter the runway. Just before entering the runway, the airplane hit a dip in the taxiway, and the airplane veered left and impacted a snow berm, which resulted in substantial damage to the right wing. The pilot reported several ways that the accident could have been prevented, including parking the airplane and waiting for a snowplow to clear the runway. In addition, he indicated that he was fatigued and that his judgment and decision-making abilities were compromised.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot's improper decision to initiate the takeoff roll from a snow-covered taxiway, which resulted in a loss of directional control, runway excursion, and impact with a snow berm.

Full Narrative

The pilot reported that he was attempting to depart a snow-covered runway in a wheel-equipped airplane. On his first attempt the airplane failed to generate enough airspeed, so he aborted the takeoff and exited the runway. On his second attempt, he elected to start the takeoff roll on a taxiway via a 90 degree turn to enter the runway. Just before entering the runway he encountered uneven terrain, and the airplane veered to the left and impacted a snow berm sustaining substantial damage to the right wing. The pilot reported no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions that would have precluded normal operations. In the recommendation section of the NTSB Accident/Incident Reporting Form 6120.1, the pilot listed several ways that the accident could have been prevented which included parking the airplane and waiting for a snow plow to clear the runway. In addition, he indicated that he was fatigued and his judgment and decision making abilities were compromised.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time20:30 AKDT
Nearest AirportBIGLAKE (0nm NNE)
Runway07
Runway Length2450 ft
Runway Width70 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftCessna 172 N
Tail NumberN52168
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorFlight Safety Alaska
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-320-D2J · Reciprocating · 160
Seats4

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (2 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured2
Total2
Crew 1Age 43 · Second Class · None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightNight
Wind260° @ 6 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingBroken clouds 6500 ft
Temperature / Dew Point23 C / 19 C
Altimeter0
Observation Time04:56
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data