Introduction
A flight instructor and a student pilot were conducting an instructional flight under Title 14, CFR Part 91. The instructor decided to land at an airport different from the departure airport.
The Landing and Takeoff Attempt
While above the intended airport, the instructor received a report from another pilot that 4 to 5 inches of snow covered the runway. Despite this, the instructor performed a successful soft-field landing. After landing, he taxied back to the threshold to demonstrate a soft-field takeoff.
During the takeoff roll, the airplane accelerated slowly and did not reach rotation speed before running through the runway end markers. The aircraft continued down an embankment and came to rest in a creek.
Aircraft Damage and Pilot Comment
The airplane sustained damage to the wings and fuselage. The instructor reported no known mechanical problems with the airplane prior to the accident. In a written statement dated November 18, the pilot wrote that the accident could have been avoided by not landing on a runway with more than an inch of snow.