On August 9, 1994, a Piper PA-34-200 (registration N234KB) was involved in an aviation accident near Marion, IA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: THE PILOT'S INADEQUATE AIRCRAFT PRELIGHT AND HIS FAILURE TO REMOVE THE FROST FROM THE WINDSHIELD WHICH OBSTRUCTED HIS VIEW. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
An airplane veered left during takeoff due to a frost-obscured windshield, striking three parked aircraft. The pilot had positioned the airplane on the right side of the runway to avoid loose gravel.
Incident Overview
During a takeoff attempt, the pilot positioned the airplane on the runway, lining it up on the right side to depart on the grass. This maneuver was intended to avoid an area of loose gravel located at the north end of the runway. According to statements from several passengers, the airplane's windshield was completely obscured with frost during taxi and throughout the takeoff roll.
Takeoff and Impact Sequence
After applying full power for takeoff, the airplane veered to the left. The pilot responded by applying right rudder and scanning the instruments. Despite these actions, the airplane's left wing impacted an airplane that was parked alongside the runway. The collision was followed by a second and third impact with two other parked airplanes before the airplane came to rest.
Contributing Factors
No explicit cause was stated in the source material. The obscured windshield due to frost is noted as a condition present during the event.