Probable cause
The pilot’s failure to maintain directional control during the takeoff roll. Contributing to the accident, was the runway condition combined with a right crosswind.
NTSB analysis
The pilot reported that during takeoff the airplane “started to slide to the left on the ice” on the snow and ice-covered runway. The pilot chose to abort the takeoff. During the abort, the airplane kept “pulling to the left” and impacted the terrain between the runway and taxiway. Upon impact, the airplane nosed over which resulted in substantial damage to the fuselage, wings, and wing struts. At the time of the accident, the pilot was taking off with a 40° right crosswind at 8 knots.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN23LA122 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Feb 25, 2023
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Princeton, Minnesota
- Nearest airport
- Princeton Municipal Airport (PNM)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Cessna 172S
- N-number
- N208SP
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 1999
- Damage
- Substantial
- Operating rule
- Part 91 (general aviation)
- Purpose of flight
- Personal
From the NTSB aviation accident database: N-registered aircraft, events since 2008, data through Oct 28, 2026. The file is published monthly, so the latest weeks are incomplete and recent records can change. The official source is the NTSB aviation investigation search. CheckAero is independent and not affiliated with the NTSB.