Accident Overview
The pilot initiated a takeoff on a snow-covered sod runway that had been plowed to create a 50-foot wide strip. The plowed area had a snow base, and snow banks approximately four feet high were present at the edges of the plowed strip. The runway had been plowed the previous night, and no additional snowfall had occurred; however, wind had drifted loose snow onto the runway overnight.
Takeoff and Loss of Control
During the takeoff roll, the left main landing gear encountered a snow drift. This caused the pilot to lose directional control of the aircraft. The plane then swerved to the left and subsequently struck the snowbank at the edge of the plowed area.
Conclusion
The accident occurred when the aircraft deviated from the plowed runway strip and impacted a snowbank after the left main gear contacted a drift.