Colorado Aviation Accidents & Incidents

Learn from Colorado's accident history to fly safer in the Rockies

2310 Total Accidents 425 Fatal 816 Fatalities 1982-2026
← Back to all accidents

Boulder, Colorado

February 20, 2020 · NTSB CEN20CA094 · Cessna 172 (N370SP)
Minor/None
Note: This analysis may be based on NTSB preliminary reports, which represent an initial, incomplete investigation. Facts can change as the investigation progresses, and preliminary findings should not be assumed to be accurate or final. For older events, a final NTSB report may have been issued β€” always consult the NTSB Aviation Query for the authoritative record.

NTSB Narrative

The pilot and passenger departed from the uncontrolled airport on a snow packed runway and flew locally for about 2 hours, then returned to land. The pilot stated that while in the traffic pattern preparing to land, the runway appeared to be in the same condition as during the departure. Instead, the runway was slush covered due to the morning sun melting the snow and the airplane veered to the left during landing rollout. The pilot was unable to maintain directional control and the airplane subsequently impacted a snowbank on the edge of the runway and nosed over, which damaged both wings and the vertical stabilizer. The pilot's loss of directional control during the landing roll onΒ the slush-covered runway.

Case Study & Lessons Learned

Generating educational case study...

NTSB Findings

  • Aircraft-Aircraft oper/perf/capability-Performance/control parameters-Directional control-Not attained/maintained - C
  • Personnel issues-Task performance-Use of equip/info-Aircraft control-Pilot - C
  • Environmental issues-Physical environment-Runway/land/takeoff/taxi surface-Snow/slush/ice covered surface-Effect on operation - C
  • Personnel issues-Psychological-Perception/orientation/illusion-Perception-Pilot

Details

NTSB ReportCEN20CA094
AircraftCessna 172
RegistrationN370SP
DamageSUBS
FAR Part091
Location40.0400, -105.2300
Corporate Sponsor
Cessna Pilots Association
Cessna Pilots Association
All Classifieds Post an Ad