Accident Details
The airplane impacted a snow bank and fence during an aborted takeoff. The pilot had landed approximately 15 minutes before the accident to pick up passengers. After the aborted takeoff, the aircraft slid on snow at the departure end of the runway before striking the snow bank and fence.
Pilot Report
The pilot stated that during descent prior to landing, the airframe encountered light ice, and he activated the deice boots during the instrument approach. He reported performing a preflight inspection of the airplane before departing MGN and noted no significant ice on the aircraft at that time. During the subsequent takeoff, the pilot said that when the airplane reached rotation speed, it felt mushy, and he immediately decided to abort the takeoff.
Post-Accident Observations
Photos taken by responding local law enforcement and FAA inspectors revealed leading edge ice on the wings, horizontal stabilizer, and vertical stabilizer. An FAA inspector reported that the leading edge ice was about 1/4-inch thick.
General Preflight Guidance
According to an FAA publication, pilots should remove all frost, snow, and ice from aircraft surfaces before flight, as even small amounts may adversely affect aerodynamic properties. The Cessna 414A Pilot Operating Handbook advises pilots to check deice boots for tears, abrasions, and cleanliness during preflight. These statements are general recommendations and are not specific to this accident.