Accident Overview
A commercial certificated pilot operating under Title 14 CFR Part 135 attempted a takeoff from a snow-covered airstrip in an airplane equipped with tundra tires and tricycle landing gear. The airstrip was approximately 1,700 feet long.
Sequence of Events
Before the flight, while waiting for a client, the pilot observed that 3 to 4 inches of snow had fallen in the area. The pilot removed snow from the wings and calculated a predetermined go/no-go position on the airstrip for liftoff. During the takeoff roll, the pilot reported that the airplane would not lift off from the snow-covered surface. The pilot decided to abort the takeoff slightly beyond the predetermined go/no-go mark. The airplane subsequently departed off the left side of the airstrip and collided with brush and an embankment.
Aircraft Damage
The airplane sustained damage to the propeller, engine cowling, and right wing.
Pilot's Safety Recommendation
In the optional portion of the Pilot/Operator Aircraft Accident Report (NTSB Form 6120.1) submitted by the pilot, the pilot wrote that his safety recommendation to prevent the accident was to "taxi back and forth on the runway to allow plane to accelerate faster."