Primary finding
Probable cause
the pilot's selection of an ice-covered runway for takeoff. A factor was the icy runway.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The pilot said the runway was completely covered with ice, and snowbanks 5-8 feet high were on both sides of the runway. During the takeoff roll he could not maintain directional control, and the airplane's right wing tip, propeller and nose struck the snowbank along the side of the runway.
Source record
Factual narrative
On January 26, 1996, at 1300 central standard time, a Stinson 108-3, N653C, piloted by a private pilot, was substantially damaged when the airplane struck a snowbank during takeoff on runway 17 (2900'x60' asphalt) at the Sandstone Municipal Airport, Sandstone, Minnesota. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time of the accident. The personal 14 CFR Part 91 flight was not operating on a flight plan. The pilot and two passengers reported no injuries. The pilot was contacted by the investigator in charge (IIC) on February 7, 1996. The pilot said the runway was completely covered with ice, and snowbanks five to eight feet high were present on both sides of the runway. The pilot reported that during takeoff roll he could not maintain directional control of the airplane. The pilot said there were no mechanical malfunctions with the airplane. The airplane's right wing was bent back approximately four feet, and the cowling was also bent as a result of the impact with the snowbank. -