The pilot reported that, during the takeoff roll on a plowed, snow-covered runway at the airport in Woodruff, Wisconsin, for an instrument flight, he could “feel the airplane pulling to the right.”
He corrected with opposite rudder, but the Cessna 421 slowly exited the runway to the right and hit a snowbank.
The twin-engine airplane sustained substantial damage to both propellers and the right engine mount.
The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
The automated weather observation station located on the airport reported that, about 5 minutes before the accident, the wind was from 110° at 5 knots, 1-1/4 statute mile visibility, overcast at 900 feet, temperature 18°F, dew point 12°F, and light snow. The airplane departed on Runway 36.
Probable Cause: The pilot’s failure to maintain to directional control during takeoff from a snow-covered runway with a right, quartering tailwind, which resulted in a runway excursion and impact with a snowbank.
This February 2019 accident report is provided by the National Transportation Safety Board. Published as an educational tool, it is intended to help pilots learn from the misfortunes of others.
