2019-02-06
C-GNKG, a Cessna 172M aircraft operated by Wetaskiwin Air Services, was conducting a local VFR training flight out of Wetaskiwin Regional (CEX3), AB with 2 persons on board. During the
flight, the instructor decided to go to an ice strip that had been cleared on Gull Lake, approximately 10 nm west of Lacombe (CEG3), AB, to conduct a precautionary landing exercise for the student.
The instructor took control of the aircraft on final approach, in order to conduct an inspection of the runway. Since the instructor was satisfied with the condition of the runway, it was decided to do a circuit, followed by a touch and go on the ice strip. The wind was light out of the west, directly down the runway.
During the take-off portion of the touch and go, the aircraft began to drift to the right due to deeper snow. The instructor could not control the drift, and the aircraft departed the strip to the right.
The instructor shut the engine down just before the aircraft struck a large snow bank, on the right side of the strip. The aircraft sustained substantial damage to the nose and the left wing.
Both the instructor and the student exited the aircraft with no injuries.