Incident Overview
The incident occurred as a pilot was departing a rural village runway with two passengers on an air taxi flight. The center of the runway surface had numerous puddles of water. During the takeoff roll, the left main wheel entered a mud puddle, causing the airplane to veer to the left. The pilot responded by correcting to the right and raising the airplane's nose to lift off into ground effect, in an effort to avoid further water areas. The airplane then descended slightly, prompting the pilot to lower the nose to gain airspeed. Subsequently, the airplane climbed away from the runway, and the pilot continued to the destination airport.
Post-Landing Discovery
Upon landing, the pilot discovered damage to the outboard end of the left horizontal stabilizer. The operator reported that the airplane had struck a runway edge light. An FAA airworthiness inspector indicated that the damage to the stabilizer would necessitate replacement of the outboard nose rib.
Runway Conditions
The Airport Facility Directory listing for the accident airport indicated that potholes were present along the entire length of the runway. The runway had been graded about two weeks before the incident.
Additional Details
No information was provided regarding the aircraft type, registration, engine count, date, operator, location beyond a rural village, occupants beyond the pilot and two passengers, injuries, damage to other parts of the airplane, time of day, weather conditions, or involvement of air traffic control.