Accident Details
During the takeoff run at Harrisburg Airport, conducted at night in conditions of ground fog, the aircraft deviated to the left. The pilot failed to realize the deviation, and the airplane came to rest in an adjacent area. The pilot was uninjured, while the aircraft sustained damage beyond repair.
Probable Cause
The official probable cause of the accident was determined to be a ground-water loop-swerve during the takeoff run after the pilot failed to maintain directional control.
Contributing Factors
Several contributing factors were reported in the investigation. Airport conditions included the presence of snow windrows. The windshield was described as dirty, foggy, and otherwise restricted in visibility. Ground fog was present, and the pilot was operating as a single pilot. The aircraft encountered newly formed ground fog during the night takeoff, and the landing lights were turned on. The investigation noted an undetected runway deviation to the left.