Event
During the takeoff roll on runway 25 at dusk, the aircraft's left wing struck a snowbank located on the left side of the runway. The impact caused the aircraft to veer off the runway and come to rest in snow. As a result, the nose gear was sheared off and the fuselage sustained multiple instances of damage. Both pilots reported no injuries.
Conditions
A NOTAM issued for the airport indicated that windrows four feet high were present 10 feet inside the runway lights on both sides of the runway. The NOTAM further stated that the cleared portion of the runway was covered with ¼ inch of loose snow over 60 percent compacted snow and 40 percent ice patches, and that braking action was fair to poor. The takeoff was conducted at dusk under conditions of poor lighting and contrast. Crosswind was not a factor in the event.
Probable Cause
The probable cause, as stated in official findings, encompasses the conditions described in the NOTAM: windrows four feet high, 10 feet inside the runway lights on both sides; the cleared runway surface covered with ¼ inch loose snow over 60 percent compacted snow and 40 percent ice patches with fair to poor braking action; the takeoff occurring at dusk with poor lighting and contrast; and the fact that crosswind was not a factor.