MARQUETTE, MI, USA
N66BH
Piper PA-32-300
The takeoff was being conducted on runway 26 with local winds from 230 degrees at 13 knots, gusting to 20 knots. The pilot reported the airplane veered off the left side of the runway during the takeoff roll, just prior to liftoff. He stated he reduced the throttle at which time he saw a taxiway sign in front of him so he advanced the throttle. He stated that the airplane cleared this sign, but contacted another sign. He stated he pulled the power back and the main landing gear caught in the snow spinning the airplane around.
On March 27, 1999, at 1244 eastern standard time, a Piper PA-32- 300, N66BH, operated by a private pilot collided with a taxiway sign following a loss of directional control while takeoff off from the Marquette County Airport, Marquette, Michigan. The private pilot and five passengers were not injured. The airplane was substantially damaged. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and no flight plan was filed. The flight was originating at the time of the accident with a planned destination of Pellston, Michigan. The takeoff was being conducted on runway 26 (6,500'x150'). The local winds reported eight minutes after the accident were from 230 degrees at 13 knots, gusting to 20 knots. The pilot reported the airplane veered off the left side of the runway during the takeoff roll, just prior to liftoff. He stated he reduced the throttle at which time he saw a taxiway sign in front of him so he advanced the throttle. He stated that the airplane cleared this sign, but contacted another sign. He stated he pulled the power back and the main landing gear caught in the snow spinning the airplane around.
the pilot's inadequate compensation for the wind conditions which resulted in his failure to maintain directional control. Factors associated with the accident were the gusty crosswind conditions and the taxiway sign which the airplane contacted.
Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database
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