N1752C

On February 20, 2003, at 1430 eastern standard time, a Cessna 180, N1752C, was substantially damaged during an attempted takeoff from Roberts Farm Airport (CT85), East Windsor, Connecticut. The certificated private pilot was not injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the flight that was destined for Waterbury Airport (N41), Waterbury, Connecticut. No flight plan had been filed for the personal flight that was conducted under 14 CFR Part 91.

The pilot reported that the airplane was based at Waterbury, and he had flown to Roberts Farm earlier in the day. When ready for departure, the pilot taxied to runway 26, a 2,000 foot-long, 50 foot-wide turf runway; which had been partially plowed. He further stated:

:...started take off, caught left wheel in snow bank, added power to break clear of snow bank, but did not succeed...."

The pilot reported that he attempted to correct with rudder; however, the airplane turned further left into the snow, and pitched forward onto its nose and left wing. The pilot added that the sides of the plowed area were not straight.

An inspector from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), reported that the snow was about 16 to 18 inches deep where the airplane departed the runway. The runway had been plowed to about 15 to 18 feet wide. In addition, examination of the airplane revealed the left wing spar was cracked at the strut attach point, the lower portion of the engine cowling was crushed back, and the propeller was bent.

According to Cessna Aircraft Company, the width of the main landing gear on the Cessna 180 was 7 feet, 8 inches.

The pilot reported the winds were from 330 degrees at 4 to 5 knots.