Accident Details
Probable Cause and Findings
The pilot's improper decision to depart from an ice-covered runway with a strong crosswind, which resulted in a loss of directional control, runway excursion, and impact with a ditch.
Aircraft Information
Registered Owner (Current)
Analysis
The pilot reported that he was departing an ice-covered runway in a strong crosswind. After lining up on the runway, he added power and felt the airplane slide to the right. In an effort to correct, he applied left rudder and left brake to no avail. He reduced the engine power to idle and once again applied left rudder and left brake, but the airplane continued to slide. He subsequently pulled the mixture to idle cutoff. The airplane slid off the runway and impacted a ditch sustaining substantial damage to the right wing. The pilot reported no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions that would have precluded normal operations.
Data Source
Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# ANC20CA037