Incident Overview
The aircraft was being repositioned for an air taxi operation. The pilot initiated takeoff on a runway covered with slush. During acceleration, the nosewheel began to disperse water and slush onto the windshield. According to the pilot, he raised the nosewheel slightly to eliminate this distraction. Shortly thereafter, the aircraft swerved to the right. The pilot immediately moved both power levers back to reverse to abort the takeoff.
Sequence of Events
After the pilot applied reverse thrust, the aircraft abruptly swerved to the left. It continued off the right side of the runway and went down an embankment. As the plane skidded off the runway, the pilot brought both condition levers back to the emergency shut-off position.
Post-Incident Findings
Examination of the aircraft revealed frozen slush on the airframe. Inside the exhaust stack of the right engine, a grayish-white residue—possibly from evaporated water or steam—was noted. The positions of several valves were documented: both propeller feather valves were found open, both engine shut-off valves were closed, and both propeller latch pins were engaged. The left propeller was feathered, while the right propeller was in flat pitch.
Operational Context
The flight was a repositioning move for an air taxi operation. No further details regarding weather conditions, aircraft type, registration, or number of engines were provided in the source. The pilot's actions were taken in response to the slush spray on the windshield and the subsequent directional control issues.