Cessna 421
Woodruff, WI — February 10, 2019
Event Information
| Date | February 10, 2019 |
| Event Type | ACC |
| NTSB Number | GAA19CA143 |
| Event ID | 20190210X05855 |
| Location | Woodruff, WI |
| Country | USA |
| Coordinates | 45.92805, -89.73083 |
| Airport | LAKELAND/NOBLE F LEE MEMORIAL |
| Highest Injury | NONE |
Aircraft
| Make | Cessna |
| Model | 421 |
| Category | AIR |
| FAR Part | 091 |
| Aircraft Damage | SUBS |
Conditions
| Light Condition | DAYL |
| Weather | IMC |
Injuries
| Fatal | 0 |
| Serious | 0 |
| Minor | 0 |
| None | 3 |
| Total Injured | 0 |
Event Location
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.
Full Narrative
The pilot reported that, during the takeoff roll on a plowed, snow-covered runway for an instrument flight, he could "feel the [airplane] pulling to the right" and corrected with opposite rudder but the airplane slowly exited the runway to the right and impacted 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 ft, temperature 18°F, dew point 12°F, and light snow. The airplane departed on runway 36.
About This NTSB Record
This aviation event was investigated by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). NTSB investigates all U.S. civil aviation accidents to determine probable cause and issue safety recommendations to prevent future accidents.