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March 30, 2016 · Beech C23 NO Series · N2397E

Frenchville, ME

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
March 30, 2016
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
Frenchville, ME
Aircraft
Beech C23 NO Series (1977)
Tail Number
N2397E
Operator
Maine Instrument Flight
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
GAA16CA191

The pilot reported that he landed the airplane on the runway with visible ice and snow, and noted no issues with the braking and steering capabilities of the airplane. He reported that during the subsequent takeoff roll with full power applied, the airplane started sliding to the left. He attempted to control the sliding with right rudder. During the acceleration, he reported the left main landing gear got trapped in area with ice and the airplane departed the runway to the left and impacted a snowbank. The airplane sustained substantial damage to an engine mount and to the fuselage. The pilot verified that there were no preimpact mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airframe or engine that would have precluded normal operation. The Federal Aviation Administration has published the Aeronautical Information Manual (2014). This manual provides the definition of a contaminated runway and states in part: A runway is considered contaminated whenever standing water, ice, snow, slush, frost in any form, heavy rubber, or other substances are present.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during the takeoff roll on a runway contaminated with ice and snow, which resulted in a runway excursion and an impact with a snowbank.

Full Narrative

The pilot reported that he landed the airplane on the runway with visible ice and snow, and noted no issues with the braking and steering capabilities of the airplane. He reported that during the subsequent takeoff roll with full power applied, the airplane started sliding to the left. He attempted to control the sliding with right rudder. During the acceleration, he reported the left main landing gear got trapped in area with ice and the airplane departed the runway to the left and impacted a snowbank. The airplane sustained substantial damage to an engine mount and to the fuselage. The pilot verified that there were no preimpact mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airframe or engine that would have precluded normal operation. The Federal Aviation Administration has published the Aeronautical Information Manual (2014). This manual provides the definition of a contaminated runway and states in part: A runway is considered contaminated whenever standing water, ice, snow, slush, frost in any form, heavy rubber, or other substances are present.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time11:00 EDT
Nearest AirportNorthern Aroostook Rgnl (0nm NW)
Runway14
Runway Length4600 ft
Runway Width75 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftBeech C23 NO Series
Tail NumberN2397E
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorMaine Instrument Flight
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-360-A4K · Reciprocating · 180
Seats4

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (1 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total1
Crew 1Age 57 · Second Class · None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind220° @ 11 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point30 C / 18 C
Altimeter30.03 inHg
Observation Time14:53
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data