Accident Details
A private certificated pilot was conducting a takeoff in a ski-equipped tailwheel airplane from a snow-covered runway. The pilot reported that the airplane did not accelerate as quickly as it normally did, which he attributed to the snow condition.
Sequence of Events
During the takeoff attempt, the airplane lifted off and settled onto the runway three times before the pilot decided to abort the takeoff. However, he was unable to stop the airplane on the remaining runway length, and it ran off the end. The airplane subsequently collided with a snowbank, sustaining substantial damage to the wings, fuselage, and horizontal stabilizer.
Pilot Report
In his report to the National Transportation Safety Board, the pilot stated that the accident could have been prevented "by aborting the takeoff in a timely manner."