Probable cause
The pilot's failure to maintain control of the airplane. Contributing factors in this accident were the unfavorable wind and the snow bank.
NTSB analysis
The pilot had been practicing touch-and-go landings when "a very large gust of wind blew [him] completely out of control to the point of approaching airborne." The airplane went off the side of the runway and struck a snow bank, resulting in substantial damage.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for DEN08LA049 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Jan 12, 2008
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Pine Bluffs, Wyoming
- Nearest airport
- Pine Bluffs (82V)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Cessna 172M
- N-number
- N12606
- Category
- Airplane
- 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.