CHI94LA271

The pilot positioned the airplane on the runway in preparation for takeoff. The pilot stated he lined the airplane on the right side of the runway to depart on the grass in order to avoid an area of loose gravel which was located at the north end of the runway. According to statements from several of the passengers aboard the airplane, the windshield of the airplane was completely obscured with frost during taxi and on the takeoff roll. After applying full power for takeoff the airplane veered to the left. The pilot then applied right rudder and scanned the instruments. The airplane's left wing impacted an airplane which was parked along side of the runway. A second and third impact occurred with two other parked airplanes before the airplane came to rest.

On August 9, 1994, at 0710 central daylight time, a Piper PA-34- 200, N234KB, registered to P and N Corporation of Marion, Iowa, was destroyed when it struck several parked airplanes during an attempted takeoff at Marion, Iowa. The Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) and two passengers reported no injuries, the two other passengers aboard reported minor injuries. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the flight and a VFR flight plan was filed. The flight operated under 14 CFR Part 135, and originated in Marion, Iowa, with an intended destination of Kansas City, Missouri.

In a written statement, the pilot reported that after completing the engine run up, he positioned the airplane on the runway 17 (2770' x 100') in preparation for takeoff. He stated he lined the airplane on the right side of the runway to depart on the grass in order to avoid an area of loose asphalt located at the north end of the runway. The pilot stated the airplane veered to the left after he applied full power. He applied right rudder and started to scan the engine instruments. When he looked up he saw the parked airplanes which lined the edge of the runway. The left wing of N234KB impacted a parked airplane. After this first impact, N234KB impacted a second parked airplane, spun around, and impacted the right elevator of a third parked airplane.

According to a statement made by the passenger who was seated in the right front seat, he observed an excessive amount of dew on the front windshield when he boarded the airplane. He stated there was sufficient moisture to totally obscure any view directly ahead of the aircraft. When he questioned the pilot about the frost prior to taxi, the pilot responded that the defrosters would be operable in a few minutes. The passenger stated the windshield was still obscured while the pilot taxied the airplane to the runway for takeoff. The pilot then applied full power for takeoff. At this time, the passenger became very concerned that he was still unable to see out of the windshield. He was however able to see out the side window and it appeared to him that the airplane was not lined up correctly on the runway. The passenger tried to alert the pilot that they were off course, but at this time the initial impact with the first parked airplane occurred.

Statements from two other passengers aboard N234KB, also reported they observed that the windshield was completely fogged over preventing any view outside. They stated the airplane was off the centerline of the runway as the pilot began the takeoff roll. The passenger, who was seated directly behind the pilot, stated it was only after the initial impact that he heard a reduction in engine power.