Primary finding
Probable cause
the pilot in command's inadequate remedial action after a loss of directional control during the takeoff ground roll. Related factors are the copilot's failure to maintain directional control, and the snow covered, icy runway.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
For the accident flight, the copilot was to perform the takeoff, while the captain (pic) monitored the instruments/engine gauges. The pic stated the copilot corrected to the left when the airplane began to drift to the right side of runway 30 (winds out of 340 degrees at 7 knots). The airplane drifted back to the left and continued towards the left side of the runway. The pic stated he took control in an attempt to keep the airplane from going off the runway, but due to 'lack of traction' the airplane continued off the left side of the runway. The airplane veered right, back onto the runway, but the bottom aft section of the fuselage struck a vasi light. The pilots described the runway as snow and ice covered.
Source record
Factual narrative
On January 31, 1994, at 1129 hours eastern standard time, a Douglas DC 3C, N907Z, operated as an air taxi cargo flight by Miami Valley Aviation, Inc., slid off the snow/ice covered runway and struck VASI lights during an attempted takeoff at Anderson, Indiana. The airplane sustained substantial damage. The Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) and Commercial pilot reported no injuries. Instrument meteorological conditions prevailed for the flight, and an IFR flight plan was filed. The flight operated under 14 CFR Part 135, and originated from Anderson, Indiana, with an intended destination of Flint, Michigan. The flight crew prearranged the division of duties for the departure. The copilot was to handle the flight controls and perform the takeoff, while the Captain (PIC) monitored flight and engine instruments/systems. The PIC reported the airplane began to drift to the right as the takeoff ground roll began. The copilot applied left rudder to compensate, and the airplane drifted back to the left. The captain stated he "took control and added right rudder, cut power on the right engine and added power to the left engine in an attempt to keep the airplane from going off the runway. The airplane corrected back to the right, but due to the lack of traction...snow...continued to drift left." The airplane departed the left side of the runway, then veered back to the right. As the airplane moved toward the runway, the rear fuselage struck a VASI light. The airplane came to a stop on the runway. The local weather observation reported sky partially obscured, 2,000 foot overcast, 2.5 miles visibility in light snow and fog, with winds out of 340 degrees at 7 knots. Postaccident investigation revealed no evidence of preimpact mechanical malfunction. -