On February 7, 1982, a Piper PA-38 (registration N2501N) operated by Washington Flying Service, Inc was involved in an aviation accident near Washington, IA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during takeoff on a snow and ice-covered runway, which led to the aircraft leaving the paved surface and striking a snowbank. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A student pilot lost directional control during takeoff on a snow and ice-covered runway, causing the aircraft to veer off the pavement and strike a snowbank.
What happened
The incident occurred while a student pilot was attempting to initiate takeoff on runway 17. At the time of the event, weather conditions included a right quartering headwind, which presented additional handling challenges during the ground roll. The surface of the runway was covered with snow and ice, reducing available traction and increasing the risk of directional instability.
As the aircraft accelerated down the runway, it began to drift toward the left side of the pavement. In response to this deviation, the pilot applied right rudder input in an attempt to maintain alignment with the centerline and retain directional control. Despite these corrective efforts, the aircraft continued its trajectory off the left edge of the runway.
Upon leaving the paved surface, the airplane struck a snowbank located adjacent to the runway. The impact with the snowbank resulted in substantial damage to the airframe. No further details regarding injuries or specific mechanical failures were provided in the source material.
Probable cause
The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during takeoff on a snow and ice-covered runway, which led to the aircraft leaving the paved surface and striking a snowbank.