# NTSB FTW93LA065: Cessna 172N, N734GD, Santa Fe, NM, January 12, 1993

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: January 12, 1993, 12:45 local (19:45 UTC)
- Place: Santa Fe, NM
- Coordinates: 35.740753, -105.860877 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=35.7408&lon=-105.8609&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Takeoff](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/300) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Minor injuries
- Injuries: 1 minor
- Status: Completed, report October 25, 1993
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 18684
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=FTW93LA065
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/18684/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW93LA065

## Probable cause

THE PILOT'S FAILURE TO MAINTAIN DIRECTIONAL CONTROL. A FACTOR WAS THE SNOW CONDITIONS

## Sequence of events

In NTSB's coding before 2008 (https://www.ntsb.gov/GILS/Documents/codman.pdf).

- Loss of control - on ground/water, takeoff - roll/run
  - terrain condition - snow covered (contributing factor)
  - directional control - not maintained, pilot in command (cause)
- On ground/water encounter with terrain/water, takeoff - roll/run
  - terrain condition - snowbank
- Nose over, other

## Analysis

DURING AN ATTEMPTED TAKEOFF WITH AN ACCUMULATION OF SNOW PRESENT, THE PILOT LOST CONTROL DURING THE TAKEOFF GROUND ROLL. THE AIRPLANE HAD REACHED A POINT 1,000 FEET DOWN THE RUNWAY AND A GROUND SPEED OF 45 KNOTS WHEN THE LEFT MAIN GEAR STRUCK A SNOW BANK AND THE AIRPLANE NOSED OVER TO THE INVERTED POSITION

## Factual narrative

On January 12, 1993, at 1245 mountain standard time, a Cessna 172N, N734GD, was substantially damaged following loss of control during takeoff. The student pilot sustained minor injuries. Weather for the CFR Part 91 flight was visual meteorological conditions. Zia Aviation Incorporated was the owner operator.

During an interview with a Federal Aviation inspector the pilot stated he made an attempted takeoff on runway 20. He further stated that during the takeoff roll the airplane reached a point approximately 1,000 feet down the runway when "the airplane flipped over on its back." In a written statement the pilot provided, he stated that he was aware of the snow conditions on the ramp, taxiway, and runway. Additionally he stated that he planned on using soft field procedures for the takeoff. During the takeoff roll he reached a distance of 1,000 feet when the airplane began to drift left "rather rapidly." He reported that he did not want to use his brakes, but he did apply full right rudder without effect. He recalls that he had attained a ground speed of 45 knots when the left wheel entered a snow bank and the airplane nosed over to the inverted position.

The airplane was released to the owner following completion of the field investigation.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N734GD](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N734GD-2008-09-23), registration cancelled 2008-09-23, S/N 17268835, built 1977 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: CESSNA 172N
- Registry model: [Cessna 172N](https://openairdocs.org/model/cessna-172n) (registry code 2072434) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Lycoming 0-320 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-0-320-series) (registry code 41508, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 17268835
- Airframe hours: 4362
- Engines: LYCOMING O-320-H2AD 160 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: Zia Aviation
- Registered owner: Zia Aviation
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, December 21, 1992, 47 hours before
- Departed: SAF
- Destination: SAF
- Airport: SAF, Santa Fe, runway 2, 8,323 × 150 ft, asphalt

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 27; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 2, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: left; flight hours: 109 total, 15 in this make and model, 37 as pilot in command, 15 in the last 90 days, 4 in the last 30 days

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 340° at 8 knots
- Visibility: 40 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 30 °F, dew point 10 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg

## 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 19930112000319A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19930112000319A), Jan 12, 1993: Cessna 172N, Santa Fe, NM, Substantial damage. Tried to take off on snow covered runway. Struck a snowdrift and nosed over.

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.

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