Accident Description
The incident occurred during the takeoff roll while the aircraft was accelerating on the runway. The right engine suddenly lost power, causing an asymmetric thrust condition. The pilot was unable to maintain directional control, and the airplane veered to the right, departing the runway surface. The aircraft then struck a snow bank, resulting in substantial damage. All three occupants were injured, and the aircraft was determined to be beyond economical repair.
Probable Cause and Contributing Factors
According to the official investigation, the probable cause of the accident was a powerplant failure for an undetermined reason. The investigation also identified the following contributing factors:
- Failure to obtain or maintain flying speed
- Poor judgment exercised by the pilot
- Airport facilities and runway lighting issues
- Engine power loss occurring about the time of liftoff
- The aircraft veering to the right of the runway into snow
- An inoperative runway light
- Dark ambient conditions
- Ice fog in the area
These factors collectively resulted in the loss of control and subsequent collision.