Accident Details
Probable Cause and Findings
the student pilot's failure to maintain directional control during the takeoff roll, which resulted in the airplane veering into a snowbank. The proximity of the snowbank was a related factor.
Aircraft Information
Registered Owner (Historical)
Analysis
On December 11, 1996, at 1140 eastern standard time, a Cessna 152, N68180, was substantially damaged when it collided with a snow bank during the takeoff roll at the Mansfield Municipal Airport, Mansfield, Massachusetts. The student pilot was not injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the solo flight that originated at Mansfield. No flight plan had been filed for the local flight conducted under 14 CFR Part 91.
In the NTSB Form 6120.1/2, the student pilot (SP) stated that he attempted a practice soft field takeoff on the asphalt runway at Mansfield. He further stated:
"...Insufficient rudder control at full power caused aircraft to veer left off runway and into snow. Power was cut and as aircraft lost momentum nosewheel sank causing aircraft to flip over."
According to a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Inspector, examination of the airplane revealed no preimpact failures of the airplane or brake system. The FAA Inspector also reported that at the time of the accident, the runway was dry and the winds were calm.
The SP's total flying experience was about 75 hours in make and model, of which 21 hours were solo flight.
Data Source
Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# NYC97LA028