Primary finding
Probable cause
Failure of the pilot to maintain directional control during takeoff leading to a collision with a snow bank which resulted in the airplane nosing over.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The pilot stated that he flew to the airport to practice touch and go landings. He stated that he completed the landing successfully, and as he added power to takeoff from runway 27 the airplane veered to the left. He stated that he reduced the power and tried to re-align the airplane with the centerline, but he was unsuccessful. The airplane continued to veer off the left side of the runway and struck a snowbank before it nosed over. The pilot reported that there was no mechanical malfunction. The winds at the time of the accident were 170 degrees at 15 knots.
Source record
Factual narrative
On Friday, February 18, 1994, at 1350 eastern standard time, a Cessna 172M, N9101H, collided with a snowbank and nosed over during takeoff at Portage County Airport, Ravenna, Ohio. The certificated private pilot, the sole occupant, was not injured. The airplane was substantially damaged. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and a flight plan was not filed. The flight was operated under 14 CFR 91 and had originated in Cleveland, Ohio. The pilot reported that he flew to Ravenna to practice touch and go landings. He stated that he completed his first landing successfully, and as he added power to takeoff the airplane veered to the left. He stated that he reduced the power and tried to re-align the airplane with the centerline, but he was unsuccessful. The airplane continued to veer to the left striking a snowbank before it nosed over. The pilot reported that there was no mechanical malfunction. The winds at the time of the accident were 170 degrees at 15 knots. -