Narrative:
The pilot reported that it was snowing during his preflight activities and takeoff roll. A snowplough operator stated that he had cleared approximately four passes on either side of the runway centerline when the accident airplane taxied onto the runway. The pilot back-taxied on the departure runway to determine how much snow covered the runway. During the subsequent takeoff roll, at approximately 80 knots, the left main landing gear encountered some deeper snow that caused the airplane to swerve left off of the runway centerline. The pilot attempted to correct the left swerve with right rudder input, but the airplane continued off the left side of the runway. The airplane was substantially damaged when its nose landing gear impacted a snowbank.
PROBABLE CAUSE: "The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during the takeoff roll. Contributing to the accident was the snow on the runway and the snowbank."
| Status: | Accident investigation report completed and information captured |
| Date: | Tuesday 5 February 2008 |
| Time: | 13:20 |
| Type: |  Swearingen SA226-AT Merlin IV |
| Operator: | McNeely Charter Service |
| Registration: | N120SC |
| MSN: | AT-067 |
| First flight: | 1978 |
| Engines: | 2 Garrett TPE331-10UA |
| Crew: | Fatalities: 0 / Occupants: 1 |
| Passengers: | Fatalities: 0 / Occupants: 0 |
| Total: | Fatalities: 0 / Occupants: 1 |
| Aircraft damage: | Substantial |
| Aircraft fate: | Repaired |
| Location: | Ankeny Regional Airport, IA (IKV) ( United States of America)
|
| Phase: | Takeoff (TOF) |
| Nature: | Cargo |
| Departure airport: | Ankeny Regional Airport, IA (IKV/KIKV), United States of America |
| Miami International Airport, FL (MIA/KMIA), United States of America |
The pilot reported that it was snowing during his preflight activities and takeoff roll. A snowplough operator stated that he had cleared approximately four passes on either side of the runway centerline when the accident airplane taxied onto the runway. The pilot back-taxied on the departure runway to determine how much snow covered the runway. During the subsequent takeoff roll, at approximately 80 knots, the left main landing gear encountered some deeper snow that caused the airplane to swerve left off of the runway centerline. The pilot attempted to correct the left swerve with right rudder input, but the airplane continued off the left side of the runway. The airplane was substantially damaged when its nose landing gear impacted a snowbank.
Probable Cause:
PROBABLE CAUSE: "The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during the takeoff roll. Contributing to the accident was the snow on the runway and the snowbank."
Accident investigation:
 |
|
Classification:
Runway excursion (veer-off)
Sources:
» NTSB Identification: CHI08CA074Photos
Map
This map shows the airport of departure and the intended destination of the flight. The line between the airports does not display the exact flight path.
Distance from Ankeny Regional Airport, IA to Miami International Airport, FL as the crow flies is 2132 km (1332 miles).
Distance from Ankeny Regional Airport, IA to Miami International Airport, FL as the crow flies is 2132 km (1332 miles).
This information is not presented as the Flight Safety Foundation or the Aviation Safety Network’s opinion as to the cause of the accident. It is preliminary and is based on the facts as they are known at this time.
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