Narrative:Snow fell as the pilot attempted a takeoff from the snow-covered runway 23 at Waterville (WVL) for a cargo flight to Manchester (MHT) on behalf of UPS. The reported wind was 130 degrees from the right at 16, gusting to 24 knots. The pilot selected the runway, in part, because of a 1.2 percent downslope. The pilot rotated the nose of the airplane at 80 knots, and the airplane "pulled" to the left. The pilot lowered the nose and reduced power, but the airplane continued to "slide" to the left, off the runway, and into 6 to 8 inches (15-20 cm) of snow. It then nosed over, and came to rest inverted.
PROBABLE CAUSE: "The pilot's improper decision to attempt a takeoff from a snow-covered runway with a quartering tailwind."
Events:
Sources:
» NTSB
Photos
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 Waterville-Robert Lafleur Airport, ME to Manchester Municipal Airport, NH as the crow flies is 226 km (141 miles).