Incident Overview
A scheduled commuter flight carrying a pilot and four passengers was attempting takeoff at dusk from a snow-covered runway measuring 2,500 feet in length and 30 feet in width. During the takeoff roll, the airplane suddenly veered to the left, heading toward the edge of the runway and an adjacent snow berm.
Pilot Report
The pilot reported that he aborted the takeoff after the veer began but was unable to prevent the airplane from striking the snow berm and nosing over. He stated that the main landing gear may have encountered an area of soft snow on the runway, which he believes initiated the leftward veer.
Postaccident Inspection
Following the accident, an inspection of the airplane found no preimpact mechanical anomalies. No other contributing factors were identified in the investigation.