Accident Details
Probable Cause and Findings
The student pilot's failure to maintain directional control while landing on the snow/slush-covered portion of the runway and the flight instructor's improper decision to allow the student to make his first solo flight from a snow/slush-covered runway.
Aircraft Information
Registered Owner (Current)
Analysis
The student pilot reported that before the accident flight he and his flight instructor had made 3 uneventful landings on the snow-covered runway before his flight instructor exited the airplane to allow him to make his first solo flight. The student pilot stated that his first solo landing resulted in "a bit of sliding" and that the airplane had come to a stop about 90° to the desired runway heading. The student pilot taxied the airplane back to the ramp where he and his instructor discussed the landing, and both agreed to continue with the solo flight. The student pilot reported that during his second solo landing the airplane slid to the left upon touchdown, and that he was unable to regain directional control with right rudder before the airplane slid into a snowbank beside the runway. The outboard 3 ft of the left wing was substantially damaged when it impacted the ground. The student pilot stated that there were no mechanical malfunctions with the airplane during the flight. Postaccident examination of the airplane revealed no evidence of a mechanical malfunction with the flight controls, nosewheel steering, or wheel brakes. Most of the runway was covered with 1-2 inches of snow/slush at the time of the accident. It is likely that the student pilot landed the airplane on a snow/slush covered portion of the runway when he lost directional control.
Data Source
Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# CEN20CA089