Primary finding
Probable cause
the pilot's failure to maintain directional control. A factor was the snowbank.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The student pilot was conducting solo touch-and-go landings. While in the transition from a landing to takeoff, directional control was lost. The pilot attempted to continue the takeoff; however, the landing gear contacted a snowbank and the airplane nosed over.
Source record
Factual narrative
On February 1, 1997, at 1635 eastern standard time, a Cessna 150G, N4655X, sustained substantial damage during a nose over during takeoff on runway 27 (4700' x 100' dry/asphalt) at Dowagiac, Michigan. The solo student pilot was conducting touch and go landings when the airplane exited the runway to the left and impacted a snowbank. The pilot reported no injuries. The local 14 CFR Part 91 flight was operating in visual meteorological conditions. No flight plan was on file. The flight originated about 1510. The student pilot said that during the transition from a landing to takeoff, the airplane "veered" left. He said he then attempted a "soft field" takeoff, in an attempt to get the airplane airborne; however, the landing gear contacted a snowbank and the airplane nosed over. -