Aircraft Weathervanes Off Runway During Takeoff in Crosswind (N755AB)

What happened

The operator reported that the pilot and a company mechanic were attempting to takeoff from a snow covered runway in gusty crosswind conditions. The pilot applied engine power to begin the takeoff roll, and the airplane weathervaned into the wind. The pilot reduced power, and the airplane straightened out, but was blown downwind, off the side of the runway and part way down an embankment.

The investigation

The operator reported that the pilot and a company mechanic were attempting to takeoff from a snow covered runway in gusty crosswind conditions. The pilot applied engine power to begin the takeoff roll, and the airplane weathervaned into the wind. The pilot reduced power, and the airplane straightened out, but was blown downwind, off the side of the runway and part way down an embankment.

Findings

The operator reported that the pilot and a company mechanic were attempting to takeoff from a snow covered runway in gusty crosswind conditions. The pilot applied engine power to begin the takeoff roll, and the airplane weathervaned into the wind. The pilot reduced power, and the airplane straightened out, but was blown downwind, off the side of the runway and part way down an embankment.