This December 2007 accident report is provided by the National Transportation Safety Board. Published as an educational tool, it is intended to help pilots learn from the misfortunes of others.
Aircraft: Cessna 172. Location: Hastings, Mich. Injuries: None. Aircraft damage: Substantial.
What reportedly happened: The student pilot was on his first solo flight. The runway had patches of ice and snow on it. The first landing was successful. During the rollout on the second landing the student pilot applied brakes, but the braking action was uneven due to the patches of ice. The plane veered to the left. The student’s attempts to regain control by apply right rudder and right brake had no effect. The airplane went off the left side of the runway and nosed over when it hit a shallow drainage ditch.
Probable cause: The student pilot’s failure to maintain directional control during landing. The ice on the runway and the ditch were factors.
For more information: NTSB.gov
