Incident Overview
On a snow-covered runway, the pilot was seated in the right co-pilot's seat while a pilot-rated passenger occupied the left pilot's seat. During the takeoff roll, the right-side door "popped" open. The pilot attempted to close it without success and elected to abort the takeoff by reducing power and applying the brakes.
Sequence of Events
The airplane overran the departure end of the runway, continued down a steep embankment, struck a fence, and crossed a road. The pilot reported that braking action was good when he first aborted, but he lost all braking and directional control at the departure end of the runway.
Runway and Performance Information
The runway was 3,612 feet long. The approximate accelerate-stop distance for the airplane at its given weight was 2,680 feet. The conditions outlined for that distance included wing flaps in the "up" position and a level, hard surface, dry runway.
Witness Observations
A flight instructor who witnessed the accident noted that the accident airplane left tracks in the snow the length of the runway, and characterized braking action as fair to poor.
Mechanical Status
The pilot stated there were no mechanical deficiencies with the airplane.