Summary
On March 10, 2020, a Cessna 172 (N52168) was involved in an incident near Big Lake, AK. All 2 people aboard were uninjured. The aircraft sustained substantial damage.
The National Transportation Safety Board determined the probable cause of this incident to be: 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.
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.
This incident is documented in NTSB report ANC20CA032. AviatorDB cross-references NTSB investigation data with FAA registry records to provide comprehensive safety information for aircraft N52168.
Accident Details
Probable Cause and Findings
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.
Aircraft Information
Registered Owner (Current)
Analysis
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.
Data Source
Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# ANC20CA032