Accident Overview
On March 22, 2011, at 2030 central daylight time, a Cessna 414A, registration N4057C, sustained substantial damage when it veered off the left side of runway 31 during its takeoff roll at Aberdeen Regional Airport (ABR), Aberdeen, South Dakota. The aircraft struck runway lights. The captain, first officer, and two passengers were not injured. The airplane was registered to and operated by Aberdeen Flying Service as a 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 135 nonscheduled domestic passenger flight. Instrument meteorological conditions prevailed, and the flight was operating under an instrument flight rules flight plan. The intended destination was Joe Foss Field Airport (FSD) in Sioux Falls, South Dakota.
Pilot Report
The pilot reported that snow and ice were present on the runway. He stated that a strong crosswind gust forced the airplane to veer off the left side of the runway, where it struck runway lights. The pilot managed to return the aircraft to the runway and then shut down the engines. The airplane was subsequently towed back to the hangar with the passengers still on board.
Weather Conditions
At 1953, the surface weather observation at ABR was: wind 050 degrees at 14 knots; visibility 1 1/2 miles; overcast ceiling at 400 feet; light snow; temperature 1 degree Celsius; dew point 0 degrees Celsius; altimeter 29.59 inches of mercury. These conditions prevailed close to the time of the accident.
Aircraft Damage
A postaccident inspection revealed substantial damage due to a puncture in the pressure vessel of the airplane. The pilot reported that there was no mechanical malfunction or failure of the aircraft.