Accident Overview
On February 15, 2015, at approximately 2245 mountain standard time, a Beech 58 (registration N297AT) operated by GTA Air Inc. as a Part 135 cargo flight experienced a rejected takeoff from runway 17L at Centennial Airport (APA) in Denver, Colorado. The commercial pilot was not injured. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the right wing and minor damage to the left wing.
Flight Sequence
Before departure, the airplane was stored in a heated hangar while cargo arrived. At about 2219, the aircraft was towed to the ramp and 192 pounds of cargo were loaded. The pilot performed a contamination check and reported the airplane free of contamination. Air traffic control had reported approximately 1/2 inch of wet snow accumulation on runways. After completing run-up checks, the pilot activated anti-ice systems and taxied onto runway 17L.
Takeoff and Abort
The pilot described the runway surface as unplowed and slushy. During the takeoff roll, as the airplane rotated, slush from the runway struck the windshield, causing a complete loss of forward visibility. Once airborne, the aircraft drifted left. The pilot attempted to abort the takeoff but reported difficulty maintaining directional control. He tried to land back on the runway; however, the airplane impacted the side of the runway and struck a runway light before coming to a stop. The pilot then taxied the aircraft back to the hangar.
Weather and Runway Conditions
At 2150, the airport issued a Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) stating that runway 17L had 1/2 inch of wet snow with fair braking action. The surface weather observation at APA at 2200 reported: wind calm, visibility 1 mile in light snow and mist, ceiling broken at 500 feet and overcast at 1,400 feet, temperature -3°C, dew point -3°C, and altimeter 30.12 inches of mercury.
Aircraft Examination
Post-accident examination revealed substantial damage to the right wing and minor damage to the left wing. The pilot reported no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures that would have precluded normal operation.