Accident Sequence
The aircraft had been parked at the airport for four days prior to the flight. Nearby parked aircraft were observed to be snow-covered. Although the preflight inspection and takeoff were not witnessed, airport personnel reported that the pilot borrowed a broom and used it for approximately 10 minutes. Fifteen minutes later, the aircraft crashed.
Crash Details
The aircraft struck the ground east of Runway 16R in a left bank attitude, approximately halfway down the runway. The touchdown occurred on snow-covered grass. The aircraft then traveled 298 feet across the ground before striking a six-foot-deep drainage ditch located parallel to and 227 feet from the runway. Upon impact with the ditch, the aircraft erupted in fire.
Investigation Findings
Examination of the aircraft did not disclose evidence of mechanical malfunction. As part of the investigation, snow was removed from another aircraft parked near the accident aircraft. Ice was found underneath the snow and could not be removed. The ramp area where the accident aircraft had been parked was checked, and airfoil-shaped ice was found on the ground where the tail was positioned. No ice was found where the wing was positioned.