Beech C 99 N216CS accident near Durango, Colorado

Probable cause

The pilot's inability to maintain directional control during takeoff in crosswind conditions on a contaminated runway, which resulted in a runway excursion.

NTSB analysis

The flight crew was departing the airport in winter weather conditions. The flight crew taxied to the runway and waited as another regional jet landed and cleared the runway. The captain of that jet reported on the common traffic advisory frequency that the braking action was nil and cautioned the accident flight crew to be careful because the runway was slick. The pilot flying reported that, as they taxied onto the runway, the wind was 40° right of runway heading at 10 kts with no gusts and the runway was slick. As the airplane was on the takeoff roll passing 60 kts, the pilot noticed a rising crosswind but maintained centerline. When the airplane was passing 80 kts, the flight crew was unable to maintain the airplane's track on the centerline with full right aileron deflection. The pilot attempted to rotate and lift off, but the airplane went into deep snow on the side of the runway. The pilot then reduced power to idle before going off the left side of the runway; the nose wheel collapsed, which resulted in substantial damage to the nose of the airplane and both engines. The flight crew reported no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures that would have precluded normal operation.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN17LA123 for the full record.