Probable cause
The pilot’s loss of directional control during landing, which resulted in impact with a snow pile and necessitated a go-around, during which the airplane impacted trees.
NTSB analysis
The pilot reported that, while landing on a snow-plowed runway, during touchdown, the airplane "slipped sideways," a wheel struck a snow pile, and the airplane turned left. He then applied full power to go around, but the airplane impacted trees.
The airplane sustained substantial damage to the left wing.
The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for GAA19CA058 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Nov 12, 2018
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Piseco, New York
- Nearest airport
- Piseco (K09)
- Highest injury
- Minor
- Minor injuries
- 1
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Cessna 172
- N-number
- N738VK
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 1978
- 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.