NTSB Factual Report

On February 7, 2005, at 1325 eastern standard time, A Cessna 172P, N54812, was substantially damaged while landing at the Cross Keys Airport (17N), Cross Keys, New Jersey. The certificated student pilot was not injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and no flight plan was filed for the local instructional flight conducted under 14 CFR Part 91.

According to the student pilot's flight instructor, the accident took place during the pilot's first supervised solo. The pilot was performing takeoffs and landings on runway 9. The first landing was without incident. During the second landing, the airplane departed the left side of the runway, struck a snow bank, yawed to the left, then nosed over.

During a telephone interview, the pilot stated that the seat was lower in this airplane, then the airplane he had performed his previous training in, and he could not see the runway during the flare. He did not realize the airplane's proximity to the left side of the runway, since he was looking to the right at the taxiway, from which he planned to exit the runway.

A post accident inspection of the airplane by a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) inspector and the maintenance provider noted that the airplane had sustained damage to the wings, propeller, vertical stabilizer and the left wing strut. No pre-accident mechanical malfunctions were discovered and control continuity was verified.

At the time of the accident the student pilot had accumulated 12.3 hours total flight time, all of which were in make and model.

The reported winds at the Philadelphia International Airport (PHL), Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, located 13 nautical miles northwest, at 1254, were from 110 degrees at 3 knots.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilots failure to maintain directional control. Factors contributing to the accident were the pilots lack of experience, and the snow bank.