Accident
On February 12, 2011, at approximately 1400 central standard time, a Piper PA-28-161 single-engine airplane, registration N536PU, sustained substantial damage when it exited the runway during a precautionary landing at Crystal Airport (MIC), near Minneapolis, Minnesota. The aircraft impacted snow and terrain. The pilot and two passengers were not injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the local flight, which had departed from MIC at about 1350.
Pilot Actions
The pilot reported that the airplane’s engine began to run rough upon takeoff, and he had difficulty gaining altitude. He performed the engine power loss checklist, but switching fuel tanks did not affect the roughness. When he reduced the throttle slightly, the engine increased power momentarily, but then began to run rough again. The pilot contacted the tower for a landing clearance, which was granted, and proceeded with a standard landing procedure. After touchdown, the airplane veered to the left, and the main landing gear struck a snowbank and snow. The airplane then impacted a runway light. The right wing sustained substantial damage from impact with the snowbank.
Investigation
A Federal Aviation Administration inspector examined the wreckage and took photographs. The inspection and review of the images revealed no preimpact airframe anomalies. According to the operator, the accident engine was subsequently disassembled, and no anomalies were detected.
Weather Conditions
At 1253, the recorded weather at Crystal Airport included wind from 190 degrees at 7 knots, visibility 10 statute miles, scattered clouds at 5,500 feet and overcast at 7,500 feet, temperature 2 degrees Celsius, dew point -3 degrees Celsius, and altimeter setting 29.80 inches of mercury. The temperature and dew point values were plotted on the carburetor icing chart from Special Airworthiness Information Bulletin CE-09-35, and their intersection fell in the range labeled "serious icing (cruise power)."