Accident Details
Probable Cause and Findings
The pilot's inadequate compensation for the crosswind which resulted in the failure to maintain directional control of the airplane. Factors associated with the accident were the crosswind, the snow covered surface on which the landing was being made, and the deeper snow which the airplane contacted.
Aircraft Information
Registered Owner (Historical)
Analysis
On March 26, 2005, at 1045 central standard time, a Cessna 172, N8954B, nosed over following a loss of directional control while landing the frozen Lake of the Woods, near Baudette, Minnesota. The private pilot and passenger were not injured. The airplane was substantially damaged. The 14 CFR Part 91 personal flight was operating in visual meteorological conditions without a flight plan. The flight originated from Pine River, Minnesota, at 0830.
The landing was being made to the south on a trail that had been made on the lake. The pilot stated the crosswind blew the airplane off of the trail during the landing roll. He stated he attempted to regain control of the airplane by applying right rudder. He stated the nose wheel contacted 6-inch deep snow off the side of the trail at which time the airplane nosed over.
The pilot reported the local winds were from 220 degrees at 10 knots.
Data Source
Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# CHI05CA084