Incident Summary
A private pilot attempted to take off at dusk with a left main gear wheel brake that was frozen in the engaged position. Prior to the departure, the pilot had tried unsuccessfully to release the brake. Despite the malfunction, the pilot believed he could achieve flight by skidding the tire along the snow- and ice-covered runway surface.
Pilot Actions
During the takeoff roll, the pilot was unable to maintain directional control. The airplane subsequently struck a runway edge light with its stabilator. The pilot continued the flight, which was completed without further incident. The damage to the stabilator was not discovered until after the pilot had landed.
Aftermath
Reflecting on the event, the pilot acknowledged that he should not have attempted the takeoff with a frozen brake. He also noted that he might have been able to avoid the runway light if it had been illuminated. However, the light was activated on command via the airplane's radio, and the pilot did not know which frequency to use.