# NTSB CEN10CA077: Cessna 172P, N99930, Ames, IA, December 18, 2009 - Type: NTSB accident investigation - Classification: Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report - Date: December 18, 2009, 12:15 local (18:15 UTC) - Place: Ames, IA - Coordinates: 41.991943, -93.621948 (estimated) - Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=41.9919&lon=-93.6219&mi=10 - Phase of flight: [Takeoff](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/300) (OpenAirDocs' grouping) - Defining event: [Takeoff: Loss of control on ground](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/230) - Highest injury: No injuries - Injuries: 1 uninjured - Status: Completed, report March 23, 2010 - Report: Approved by Office Director - NTSB office: Central Region - Parties: Federal Aviation Administration - Des Moines FSDO - NTSB case key (mKey): 75188 - NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=CEN10CA077 - NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/75188/pdf - NTSB docket: https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket?ProjectID=75188 - Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN10CA077 ## Probable cause The pilot's failure to maintain directional control while attempting a takeoff on an ice-covered runway. ## Findings NTSB's coded findings; those marked are part of the probable cause. - [Performance/control parameters: directional control](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01062020): Aircraft › Aircraft oper/perf/capability · Not attained/maintained (probable cause); cases with it: [Cessna 172P, 28 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01062020/cases.md?model=2072436), [All aircraft, 3,958 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01062020/cases.md) - [Use of equip/info: aircraft control](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02063040): Personnel issues › Task performance · Pilot (probable cause); cases with it: [Cessna 172P, 76 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02063040/cases.md?model=2072436), [All aircraft, 9,295 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02063040/cases.md) - [Runway/land/takeoff/taxi surface: snow/slush/ice covered surface](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/03023015): Environmental issues › Physical environment · Effect on operation; cases with it: [Cessna 172P, 1 case](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/03023015/cases.md?model=2072436), [All aircraft, 219 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/03023015/cases.md) - [Object/animal/substance: snow/ice](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/03022060): Environmental issues › Physical environment · Contributed to outcome; cases with it: [Cessna 172P, 1 case](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/03022060/cases.md?model=2072436), [All aircraft, 67 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/03022060/cases.md) ## Sequence of events The events NTSB coded, in order, by phase of flight. The defining event best describes what happened. - [Takeoff: Loss of control on ground](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/230) (defining event); cases with it: [Cessna 172P, 37 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/230/sequence.md?model=2072436), [All aircraft, 4,585 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/230/sequence.md) - [Takeoff: Runway excursion](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/300); cases with it: [Cessna 172P, 29 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/300/sequence.md?model=2072436), [All aircraft, 3,643 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/300/sequence.md) - [Takeoff: Nose over/nose down](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/096); cases with it: [Cessna 172P, 18 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/096/sequence.md?model=2072436), [All aircraft, 2,287 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/096/sequence.md) ## Analysis The accident occurred during a takeoff on an ice-covered runway. The pilot reported that when the airplane encountered a large patch of ice on the runway it began to drift left of the runway centerline. He immediately reduced engine power and applied brake pressure, but the airplane continued to slide toward the runway edge. The airplane impacted a snow bank and nosed over. A post accident examination revealed that the engine firewall, both wings, and the empennage components were substantially damaged. The pilot reported that there were no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures that would have precluded normal operation of the airplane. ## Factual narrative The accident occurred during a takeoff on an ice-covered runway. The pilot reported that when the airplane encountered a large patch of ice it began to drift left of the runway centerline. He immediately reduced engine power and applied brake pressure, but the airplane continued to slide toward the runway edge. The airplane impacted a snow bank and nosed over. A postaccident examination revealed that the engine firewall, both wings, and the empennage components were substantially damaged. The pilot reported that there were no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures that would have precluded normal operation of the airplane. ## Aircraft - Registration: [N99930](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N99930-2012-06-14), registration cancelled 2012-06-14, S/N 17276528, built 1986 (OpenAirDocs) - Reported make and model: Cessna 172P - Registry model: [Cessna 172P](https://openairdocs.org/model/cessna-172p) (registry code 2072436) (OpenAirDocs) - Registry engine: [Lycoming 0-320 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-0-320-series) (registry code 41508, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs) - Category: Airplane - Serial number: 17276528 - Airframe hours: 13535.7 - Engines: Lycoming O-320-D2J 160 horsepower reciprocating - Damage: Substantial damage - Flight: Personal, Part 91 - Operator: Hap's Air, Inc. - Registered owner: Hap's Air, Inc. - Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Utility; Standard, Normal - Last inspection: Annual, November 30, 2009 - Departed: KAMW, Ames, IA - Destination: KAMW, Ames, IA - Airport: KAMW, Ames Municpal Airport, runway 01, 5,700 × 100 ft, asphalt ## Flight crew As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names. - Pilot; age 20; injuries: none; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, without waivers/limitations; last flight review August 3, 2009; seat: left; flight hours: 50 total, 47 in this make and model ## Weather - Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day - Wind: 330° at 7 knots - Visibility: 10 statute miles - Lowest ceiling: 10,000 ft overcast - Temperature: 27 °F, dew point 21 °F - Altimeter: 29.85 inHg - Observed at: KAMW ## FAA reports on this event (1) The FAA's own accident and incident reports, matched to the aircraft by N-number and date (OpenAirDocs). - [Accident 20091218052529A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/20091218052529A), Dec 18, 2009: Cessna 172P, Ames, IA, Substantial damage. During take-off roll on runway 01 at 40 knots the aircraft encountered a patch of snow covered ice and a left crosswind, as stated by the pilot. This caused… ## Docket (1 files) The files NTSB released with the investigation on January 19, 2010, on NTSB's docket system: https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket?ProjectID=75188. 3.5 MB in all. - Pilot/Operator Aircraft Accident Report, NTSB Form 6120.1 (item 1, .PDF, 3.5 MB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40323772&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Pilot%2FOperator%20Aircraft%20Accident%20Report,%20NTSB%20Form%206120.1-Redacted.PDF From the NTSB's public API. Aircraft are matched to registry aircraft by N-number and event date, checked against the reported serial number, make and model; the registry's history has gaps, so older matches can be wrong. Compare the reported make and model. --- OpenAirDocs.org is an independent research project of [Contrail Labs](https://contraillabs.com/). It is not affiliated with the FAA or the NTSB. Source documents are U.S. government works in the public domain.