On January 6, 1989, a Piper PA-31T (registration N82290) operated by Cummins Power Inc was involved in an aviation accident near Craig, CO. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: UNSUITABLE TERRAIN (RUNWAY CONDITION) SELECTED BY THE PILOT. FACTORS RELATED TO THE ACCIDENT WERE: THE ADVERSE WEATHER CONDITIONS, INADEQUATE REMOVAL OF SNOW FROM THE RUNWAY BY AIRPORT PERSONNEL, UNEVEN SNOW COVERED RUNWAY, LACK OF VISUAL PERCEPTION BY THE… This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A pilot requested a snow-covered runway be replowed before takeoff. Afterward, no ridges were seen, but during takeoff the airplane swerved after encountering a snow ridge, struck a snowbank, and was damaged.
Background
The pilot of an airplane requested that the snow-covered runway be replowed before departure. After the plowing, the pilot reported observing no snow ridges or evidence of uneven plowing, and concluded that the runway demarcation was adequate for takeoff.
Takeoff Sequence
During the takeoff roll, at approximately 80 knots, the pilot felt drag on the left landing gear and the airplane began to swerve to the left. The pilot corrected with rudder input, causing the airplane to swerve toward the right edge of the runway. The pilot subsequently lost control of the airplane, and it continued off the runway into a snowbank.
Outcome
The airplane was damaged in the collision with the snowbank. According to a report, the airplane swerved after encountering a snow ridge left by the snowplow. No pre-accident part failure or malfunction was reported.