Overview
A private pilot and four passengers were conducting a personal IFR flight. During a takeoff attempt on Runway 35, the aircraft encountered wind shear after rotation, leading to a loss of directional control and a subsequent departure from the runway.
Weather Conditions
Snow drifts were present on both sides of the runway. The wind was estimated at 320° with a speed of 25 knots and gusts up to 35 knots. After the incident, the pilot reported that upon exiting the aircraft, the wind was from 190° at an estimated 40 knots. A witness confirmed a 180° wind shift and estimated the wind speed at 40 knots.
Accident Sequence
According to the pilot, at the moment of rotation, the airplane encountered wind shear from 260°, which lifted the left wing. Directional control was lost, and the aircraft settled back onto the runway. The left main wheel then struck a snow bank, causing the aircraft to spin left 180°. The tail section passed through the snow bank, and the airplane departed the runway to the left.
Aftermath
The pilot and passengers exited the aircraft without further incident. No injuries were reported. The aircraft sustained damage from the snow bank impact and the spin.