Aircraft stall and impact following takeoff on icy runway

Casualties unknown • Alton Bay, NH, US

An aircraft experienced a loss of control and struck a snow bank shortly after takeoff from an icy runway, resulting in a rapid descent.

What happened

The aircraft departed from runway 01, which was covered in ice. During the takeoff roll, the airplane began pulling to the left. In an attempt to maintain the centerline, the pilot applied full right rudder to straighten the flight path. Witnesses at the airport noted that the aircraft's takeoff roll was significantly shorter than that of other departing airplanes.

After rotation, the aircraft reached an altitude of approximately 20 feet before it began to bobble and stall. The airplane then descended rapidly, impacting a snow bank located to the left of the runway. The pilot lost all control of the aircraft during this sequence.

Prior to departure, the pilot did not receive a weather briefing, though the pilot noted the presence of swirly and gusty winds at the airport.

Probable cause

The aircraft stalled and impacted a snow bank following takeoff on an icy runway under gusty wind conditions.

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Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2000-02-05 Piper PA-24 accident near Alton Bay, NH?

An aircraft experienced a loss of control and struck a snow bank shortly after takeoff from an icy runway, resulting in a rapid descent.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2000-02-05 involved a Piper PA-24, registration N6577P, at Alton Bay, NH.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The aircraft stalled and impacted a snow bank following takeoff on an icy runway under gusty wind conditions.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001212X20554. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.

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