On February 20, 2003, a Cessna 180 (registration N1752C) was involved in an aviation accident near East Windsor, CT. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to maintain directional control. A related factor was the snow-covered runway conditions. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
During a takeoff attempt on a snow-covered runway plowed to 15-18 feet wide, the left main landing gear entered 16-18 inches deep snow, causing the aircraft to turn and come to rest on its nose and left wing.
Circumstances
A pilot attempted a takeoff on a runway that was 50 feet wide but covered with snow. The runway had been plowed to a width of 15 to 18 feet. As the pilot initiated the takeoff, the left main landing gear wheel left the cleared area and entered the snow on the left side of the runway, where the snow was about 16 to 18 inches deep.
The pilot responded by adding more power and applying rudder input. However, the airplane continued to turn further into the snow and eventually came to rest on its nose and left wing.
Aircraft Information
The main landing gear of the airplane had a width of 7 feet, 8 inches. No further details about the aircraft or the outcome of the incident were provided.