Primary finding
Probable cause
The pilot's failure to maintain directional control. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's failure to plow the runway adequately.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The pilot reported that he plowed about a 10 foot wide strip down the runway which was snow covered. He stated during the takeoff ground run, the left wheel encountered some crusty snow causing the airplane to pull to the left into deeper snow. The nose wheel collapsed and the airplane nosed down causing substantial damage to the left wing. The pilot stated in the safety recommendations section of his report, '...should have plowed strip wider. Snow was crusty...with considerable drag.'
Source record
Factual narrative
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