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NTSB Report
February 12, 2021 · Cessna 172N · N3477E
Prairie Du Sac, WI
Overview
Report Status
Probable Cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
February 12, 2021
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
Prairie Du Sac, WI
Aircraft
Cessna 172N (1978)
Tail Number
N3477E
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
CEN21LA127
During the takeoff roll, the airplane encountered compacted snow on the runway surface, and the airplane slid to the left. The pilot, a solo student, reduced the engine throttle and applied right rudder; however, the airplane continued to the left. The left main landing gear hit a snowbank on the side of the runway, the airplane spun, and the right wing hit the snowbank. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the right wing. A Notice to Airman for the airport reported the field conditions as 100% compacted snow with the conditions not monitored. The pilot stated that there were no mechanical anomalies with the airplane that would have precluded normal operations.
NTSB Probable Cause
The student pilot’s loss of directional control during takeoff, which resulted in the collision with a snowbank. Contributing to the accident was the compacted snow conditions on the runway surface.
Full Narrative
During the takeoff roll, the airplane encountered compacted snow on the runway surface, and the airplane slid to the left. The pilot, a solo student, reduced the engine throttle and applied right rudder; however, the airplane continued to the left. The left main landing gear hit a snowbank on the side of the runway, the airplane spun, and the right wing hit the snowbank. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the right wing. A Notice to Airman for the airport reported the field conditions as 100% compacted snow with the conditions not monitored. The pilot stated that there were no mechanical anomalies with the airplane that would have precluded normal operations.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time15:00 CST
Nearest AirportSauk-Prairie (0nm SSE)
Runway18/3
Runway Length2936 ft
Runway Width60 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftCessna 172N
Tail NumberN3477E
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · 0-320-H2AD · Reciprocating · 160
Seats4
People & Injuries
Injury SummaryNo injuries (1 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total1
Crew 1Age 47 · Third Class · None
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind290° @ 9 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point3 F / -8 F
Altimeter30.46 inHg
Observation Time14:56
Weather SourceWFAC