Accident Details
The airplane was landing on runway 04, which measured 3,100 feet by 60 feet and had a surface of snow- and ice-covered asphalt. According to the pilot, the airplane aligned with the runway centerline, but upon touchdown it began veering to the left. The pilot attempted to correct the swerve using right rudder, but the airplane continued left until it struck a four-foot high snow bank alongside the runway. The airplane then came to rest in a ditch.
Runway Conditions
The airport manager reported that at the time of the accident, the runway had a 1/16-inch layer of ice covered by 1/2 inch of dry snow. Tire tracks on the runway indicated that the airplane traveled straight for about 200 feet before making a sweeping left turn. Winds reported from a station 12 miles away were from 290 degrees at 13 knots.
Preflight and Takeoff Events
The pilot stated that prior to takeoff, the left main wheel crossed an area of snow ridges several inches high. He also noted that he did not apply full brake pressure before takeoff.
Post-Accident Examination
A post-accident examination of the airplane did not find any discrepancies with either brake caliper. No water or foreign objects were detected in the brake lines. The inspection revealed that the left brake functioned as designed.