NTSB Factual Report

On February 25, 2003, at 1150 eastern standard time, a Cessna 150J, N51126, was substantially damaged during a takeoff from Williamson-Sodus Airport (3G7), Williamson, New York. The certificated private pilot was not injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and no flight plan was filed for the local personal flight conducted under 14 CFR Part 91.

According to the pilot, he intended to practice touch-and-go landings at Williamson. It was a "gray day" and about 3 inches of new snow had just fallen at the airport. When he taxied onto the runway, the pilot could not see the centerline due to the snow coverage. He applied full power for takeoff, and during the takeoff roll, the airplane's left main landing gear caught the edge of a snow bank. The airplane veered off the left side of the runway, and the nose of the airplane impacted the snow bank.

The pilot reported that he was unaware of his position to the left of the runway centerline during the takeoff, and that it was the first time he had taken off with fresh snow covering the runway.

The pilot reported about 123 hours of total flight time, 4 of which were in make and model. He had recently received a checkout in the airplane; however, the accident flight was his first flight without an instructor. The pilot also reported no mechanical anomalies with the airplane.

Examination of the airplane by a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) inspector revealed substantial damage to the left wing, rudder, and propeller.

Weather reported in Rochester, New York, about 25 miles away, at 1154, included winds from 300 degrees at 6 knots, 9 miles visibility with light snow, few clouds at 2,300 feet, a broken cloud layer at 2,900 feet, and a broken cloud layer at 3,700 feet.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot's failure to maintain proper runway alignment during the takeoff roll. A factor was the snow-covered runway.