Preparation
The pilot and passengers attempted to remove as much snow as possible from the aircraft prior to departure. The pilot expressed confidence that any remaining snow would be blown away by propeller blast during takeoff.
Takeoff Attempt
Although wind at surrounding stations was generally reported from the northwest, the pilot reported a wind from the east at the time of takeoff. The pilot elected to take off with 10 degrees of flaps, while the aircraft manual recommends 20 degrees to reduce ground roll on soft field takeoffs. During the takeoff roll, the aircraft was held on the runway until an indicated airspeed of 70 mph before rotation was attempted. This speed is 10 mph above the normal rotation speed and was used by the pilot to compensate for the reported tailwind.
Accident Sequence
The aircraft lifted off the ground briefly but then settled back onto the runway. Power was reduced, and the aircraft slid off the end of the runway. It then nosed down into the bank of a small creek.