19990327002759A

(.19) On March 27, 1999, at 1244 eastern standard time, a Piper PA-32-300, N66BH, operated by a private pilot collided with a taxiway sign following a loss of directional control while takeoff from the Marquette County Airport, Marquette, Michigan. The private pilot and five passengers were not injured. The airplane was substantially damaged. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and no flight plan was filed. The flight was originating at the time of the accident with a planned destination of pellston, Michigan. The takeoff was being conducted on runway 26 (6,500' x 150'). The local winds reported eight minutes after the accident were from 230 degrees at 13 knots, gusting to 20 knots. The pilot reported the airplane veered off the left side of the runway during the takeoff roll, just prior to liftoff. The airplane continued through a field where it contacted a taxiway sign prior to coming to rest. (-23)pilot began takeoff roll on runway 26 at mqt, after traveling approximately 500 feet, the aircraft departed the left side of the runway, striking a runway light. Th pilot continued the takeoff attempt, traveling approximately another 2,000 feet in the snow, off the runway but parallel to it. After striking a runway marker sign, the pilot aborted the takeoff, coming to rest on top of another runway light. The preceding was surmised from an interview with the pilot, and observations of some people on the scene. FAA was not present due to lack of funds.