10 Feb 2019: Cessna 421 B

10 Feb 2019: Cessna 421 B — Unknown operator

No fatalities • Woodruff, WI, United States

Probable cause

The pilot's failure to maintain to directional control during takeoff from a snow-covered runway with a right, quartering tailwind, which resulted in a runway excursion and impact with a snowbank.

— NTSB Determination

Accident narrative

The pilot reported that, during the takeoff roll on a plowed, snow-covered runway for an instrument flight, he could "feel the [airplane] pulling to the right" and corrected with opposite rudder but the airplane slowly exited the runway to the right and impacted a snowbank.

The twin-engine airplane sustained substantial damage to both propellers and the right engine mount.

The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.

The automated weather observation station located on the airport reported that, about 5 minutes before the accident, the wind was from 110° at 5 knots, 1 1/4 statute mile visibility, overcast at 900 ft, temperature 18°F, dew point 12°F, and light snow. The airplane departed on runway 36.

Contributing factors

  • cause Directional control — Not attained/maintained
  • cause Pilot
  • Effect on operation
  • Effect on operation

Conditions

Weather
IMC, wind 110/05kt

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