On January 29, 1993, a Piper PA-23-250 (registration N40586) operated by Aviation Block & Charter, Inc. was involved in an aviation accident near West Dover, VT. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: THE PILOT'S FAILURE TO MAINTAIN DIRECTIONAL CONTROL DURING TAKEOFF, AND HIS INADEQUATE REMEDIAL ACTIONS, RESULTING IN A COLLISION WITH A SNOWBANK. FACTORS RELATED TO THE ACCIDENT WERE THE ICE COVERED RUNWAY AND THE SNOWBANK ALONG THE RUNWAY EDGES. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
During takeoff on an icy runway, the aircraft began drifting left at rotation. Steering and rudder were ineffective, and the left propeller struck an ice bank, causing the airplane to yaw left, depart the runway, and collapse the landing gear.
Accident Narrative
The pilot initiated the takeoff roll on an icy runway. According to the pilot's account, at approximately 70 knots, which corresponded to rotation speed, the aircraft started to drift left. Both the steering and rudder controls proved ineffective in halting the drift. Subsequently, the left propeller struck an ice bank bordering the runway. The impact caused the airplane to yaw left and depart the runway surface. During the excursion, the landing gear collapsed.
Environmental Conditions
The wind was from approximately 45 degrees to the right of the runway heading at an estimated speed of 4 knots. The edges of the runway were lined with snow banks approximately 2 feet high.
Post-Accident Examination
Following the accident, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) conducted an examination of the airplane's rudder and braking systems. The examination found no discrepancies in either system.
Frequently asked questions
What happened in the 29 Jan 1993 Piper PA-23-250 accident near West Dover, VT?
During takeoff on an icy runway, the aircraft began drifting left at rotation. Steering and rudder were ineffective, and the left propeller struck an ice bank, causing the airplane to yaw left, depart the runway, and collapse the landing gear.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 29 Jan 1993 involved a Piper PA-23-250, registration N40586, operated by Aviation Block & Charter, Inc., at West Dover, VT.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
THE PILOT'S FAILURE TO MAINTAIN DIRECTIONAL CONTROL DURING TAKEOFF, AND HIS INADEQUATE REMEDIAL ACTIONS, RESULTING IN A COLLISION WITH A SNOWBANK. FACTORS RELATED TO THE ACCIDENT WERE THE ICE COVERED RUNWAY AND THE SNOWBANK ALONG THE RUNWAY EDGES.
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