NTSB Factual Report

On March 22, 2011, at 2030 central daylight time, a Cessna 414A, N4057C, sustained substantial damage when it veered off the left side of runway 31 (6,901 feet by 100 feet, concrete) during its takeoff roll at the Aberdeen Regional Airport (ABR), Aberdeen, South Dakota, and struck runway lights. The captain, first officer, and two passengers were not injured. The airplane was registered to and operated by Aberdeen Flying Service as a 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 135 nonscheduled domestic passenger flight. Instrument meteorological conditions prevailed at the time of the accident, and the flight was on an instrument flight rules flight plan. The airplane was en route to the Joe Foss Field Airport (FSD), Sioux Falls, South Dakota.

The pilot reported that there was snow and ice on the runway. He reported that a strong crosswind gust forced the airplane to veer off the left side of the runway where the airplane struck runway lights. The pilot managed to get the airplane back on the runway and he shut down the engines. The airplane was towed back to the hangar with the passengers on board.

The postaccident inspection of the airplane revealed substantial damage as a result of a puncture in the pressure vessel of the airplane. The pilot reported that there was no mechanical malfunction or failure of the airplane.

At 1953, the surface weather observation at ABR was: Wind 050 degrees at 14 knots; visibility 1 1/2 miles; overcast 400 feet; light snow; temperature 1 degrees Celsius; dew point 0 degrees Celsius; altimeter 29.59 inches of mercury.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot's inadequate compensation for gusty crosswinds during takeoff, which resulted in a loss of directional control.