What happened
During a takeoff roll from a ski strip located east of and parallel to Runway 36 at La Ronge, the aircraft experienced an asymmetrical lift condition. As the nose ski emerged from the snow, the left wing ascended, causing the aircraft to veer toward the right. Despite this deviation, the pilot in command proceeded with the takeoff attempt.
At this stage, the right ski remained embedded in the snow. The aircraft briefly achieved flight as it passed over a deep gully situated to the right of the runway, but it maintained a steep right bank. This maneuver caused the right wing to strike the snow-covered terrain. The momentum of the aircraft carried it through a chain-link fence and into a group of trees bordering the airport.
Following the impact, all seven occupants (comprising five passengers and two crewmembers) successfully evacuated the aircraft. While the occupants sustained only minor injuries, a small fire ignited near the exhaust of the right engine, though the crew managed to extinguish the flames immediately.
Findings
- The aircraft's right ski remained in contact with the snow while the left wing had already lifted.
- The right wing struck the ground during a steep bank, leading to the subsequent excursion into the trees.