NTSB Factual Report

On January 28, 2003, approximately 1415 Pacific standard time, a Cessna 152, N48769, registered to and operated by Midstate Aviation as a 14 CFR Part 91 instructional flight, nosed over off the side of the runway at Bowers Field, Ellensburg, Washington. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time and no flight plan was filed for the local student solo flight. The aircraft was substantially damaged and the student pilot, the sole occupant, was not injured. The flight departed about 55 minutes prior to the accident.

The operator reported that this was the students second solo flight.

In a written statement, the student pilot reported that he was returning from the practice area to practice landings. The student pilot stated that the approach to runway 29 was lined up with the runway centerline, 60 knots airspeed and he had red-over-white on the VASI. Touch down was made just after the numbers. After touchdown, the airplane started to veer to the right. The student pilot stated that he applied left rudder input, however, the airplane continued to veer/turn to the right. The right main landing gear lifted off the ground and the airplane traveled off the runway and collided with a snow bank. The aircraft subsequently nosed over damaging the vertical stabilizer and both wings.

At 1353, the winds at the airport were reported from 90 degrees at five knots.

NTSB Probable Cause

Aircraft control was not maintained during the landing roll. A tailwind and a snow bank were factors.