Big Lake, AK, USA
N52168
Cessna 172
The pilot reported that he was attempting to take off from a snow-covered runway and that, during the first attempt, the airplane failed to generate enough airspeed, so he aborted the takeoff and exited the runway. On his second attempt, he chose to begin the takeoff roll with a high-speed taxi on a taxiway before turning 90° to enter the runway. Just before entering the runway, the airplane hit a dip in the taxiway, and the airplane veered left and impacted a snow berm, which resulted in substantial damage to the right wing. The pilot reported several ways that the accident could have been prevented, including parking the airplane and waiting for a snowplow to clear the runway. In addition, he indicated that he was fatigued and that his judgment and decision-making abilities were compromised.
The pilot reported that he was attempting to depart a snow-covered runway in a wheel-equipped airplane. On his first attempt the airplane failed to generate enough airspeed, so he aborted the takeoff and exited the runway. On his second attempt, he elected to start the takeoff roll on a taxiway via a 90 degree turn to enter the runway. Just before entering the runway he encountered uneven terrain, and the airplane veered to the left and impacted a snow berm sustaining substantial damage to the right wing. The pilot reported no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions that would have precluded normal operations. In the recommendation section of the NTSB Accident/Incident Reporting Form 6120.1, the pilot listed several ways that the accident could have been prevented which included parking the airplane and waiting for a snow plow to clear the runway. In addition, he indicated that he was fatigued and his judgment and decision making abilities were compromised.
The pilot's improper decision to initiate the takeoff roll from a snow-covered taxiway, which resulted in a loss of directional control, runway excursion, and impact with a snow berm.
Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database
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