PC-12
Flight Crew Flight Instructor; Flight Crew Air Transport Pilot (ATP)
Flight Crew Last 90 Days 60; Flight Crew Total 3000; Flight Crew Type 200
Communication Breakdown
Conflict Ground Conflict; Less Severe; Ground Incursion Runway
General None Reported / Taken
Human Factors; Procedure
The weather as reported by the ASOS: SPECI AUTO 33005KT 8SM SCT019 SCT075 M26/M29 A3046 RMK AO2. The field conditions at that time were snow depths of .5 to 1.0 inches; and braking actions fair to poor. Prior to takeoff; I made a radio call on the CTAF that I was taxiing to Runway 30. I saw a snowplow on Taxiway A. I did not hear any ground vehicles using the CTAF. I heard the pilot of a Metroliner transmit on CTAF their intentions of landing Runway 30. We had a brief two-way communication; and we agreed that I would hold short of 30 on Taxiway B; at the approach end of Runway 30; for the Metroliner landing The Metro landed on 30. I watched the Metro clear Runway 30. I switched my radio to Center; and received my IFR Clearance. I switched my radio back to CTAF and prior to entering Runway 30; transmitted my intentions for takeoff on Runway 30. Visually checking the final approach path and the runway to be clear of traffic and hearing no traffic on CTAF; I took off. During the takeoff roll; a snowplow entered Runway 30 from the crossing runway. The snowplow turned right; making a 90 degree turn towards me; heading southeast. Then turned left; making a 270 degree back onto [the crossing] runway. When I saw the snowplow pull in front of me; I was at rotation speed; and continued the takeoff. I would estimate that when the snowplow pulled onto Runway 30; there was 2;500 feet between us; and after takeoff I crossed over the snowplow by 100 feet vertically and less than 50 feet horizontally. I don't know if the snowplow operator was aware of the incursion. There were no NOTAM's for snow removal this morning. I did not hear the airport personnel utilizing the CTAF.
PC12 pilot reports encountering a snowplow on the takeoff roll entering from a crossing runway. The reporter is at rotation speed when the snowplow enters and is able to fly over the plow. No reports were heard on the CTAF before or after the incident.