Casualties unknown

Airplane Veers Left During Takeoff on Snow-Covered Runway, Impacts Snow Bank (N62497)

State College, PA, US

On December 16, 2005, a Piper PA-23-250 (registration N62497) was involved in an aviation accident near State College, PA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during the takeoff run. A factor was the snow-covered runway. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 2026-06-10Data APIEditorial standards

During takeoff on a snow-covered runway, an airplane veered left at about 80 knots, departed the runway, and struck a snow bank, resulting in substantial damage. No mechanical issues were reported.

Accident Description

The pilot taxied the airplane onto a snow-covered runway following a run-up check of the engines. After positioning the aircraft on the runway, the pilot initiated the takeoff roll. The airplane accelerated normally down the runway, but upon reaching approximately 80 knots indicated airspeed, it veered to the left. The airplane subsequently departed the runway and impacted a snow bank.

Aircraft Damage

The collision with the snow bank resulted in substantial damage to the airplane. The specific extent of the damage was not detailed in the report.

Pilot Report

The pilot did not report any mechanical malfunctions with the airplane before or during the takeoff roll. No other factors contributing to the loss of directional control were identified in the source material.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20060113X00063. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.