On March 19, 1993, a Piper PA-46-310P (registration N24WW) operated by Wilson, David F. & Patricia W. was involved in an aviation accident near Hailey, ID. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: THE PILOT IN COMMAND'S FAILURE TO MAINTAIN DIRECTIONAL CONTROL. A FACTOR CONTRIBUTING TO THE ACCIDENT WAS THE SNOWBANK. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
During takeoff roll on runway 13, an aircraft drifted left, struck a snowbank on the east outboard edge, and nosed over. No mechanical issues found; front right passenger reported not using rudder pedals.
Accident Sequence
During the takeoff roll on runway 13, the aircraft began to drift to the left. The pilot attempted to correct the drift but was unsuccessful. The aircraft subsequently impacted a snowbank located along the east outboard edge of the runway before nosing over.
Post-Accident Examination
A subsequent examination of the aircraft revealed no mechanical malfunction with either the brakes, rudder system, or nosewheel steering. The passenger seated in the front right cockpit seat reported that he did not have his feet on the rudder pedals during the event.
Weather Conditions
Winds were reported as northwesterly at 5 knots at the time of the accident.