Introduction
The aircraft was involved in an accident following a takeoff attempt during which snow on the wings was not fully removed. The pilot had not ensured that snow accumulated both before and during taxi was cleared from the wings.
Snow Accumulation
Snow had accumulated on the aircraft prior to the start of the taxi sequence and continued to accumulate during taxi. The pilot did not ensure that this snow was fully removed from the wings before attempting takeoff.
Takeoff and Climb
During the takeoff roll, the aircraft did not lift off as it normally does. The takeoff roll was longer than usual. After becoming airborne, the aircraft did not climb at an acceptable rate. The pilot retracted the landing gear because he thought this action would help the aircraft climb.
Runway Excursion
Soon after the landing gear was retracted, the aircraft settled back onto the runway. It hit a runway light and then slid off the departure end of the runway onto a field covered with snow and ice.
Engine Performance
The pilot reported that the engine was producing full power and was running very smoothly throughout the event.