Primary finding
Probable cause
the failure of the pilot in command to maintain directional control during touch and go landings. A factor was the pilot in command's lack of total experience and the snowbank located off the side of the runway.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
During rollout on a touch and go landing, the student solo pilot added power for takeoff and the airplane yawed to the left. The pilot reduced power, the airplane departed the runway edge and struck a snow berm.
Source record
Factual narrative
On April 30, 1994, at 1110 hours central daylight time, a Cessna 152, N758ZC, operated as a training aircraft by Flying Scotchman, Inc., of Brooklyn Park, Minnesota, departed the left side of runway 10 (5700' x 100') at Willmar Municipal Airport, Willmar, Minnesota, struck a snow bank, and overturned. The solo student pilot was not injured. The airplane was substantially damaged. Visual meteorological conditions existed at the time of the accident and winds were 330 degrees at 5 knots. The flight originated at Crystal Airport, Minneapolis, Minnesota, at 1018 hours central standard time. The pilot was performing touch and go landings at Willmar Municipal Airport, added power for takeoff, lost directional control and departed the runway edge. -