Incident Overview
An instructor pilot was demonstrating recovery procedures from a low approach when the main landing gear struck snow on a small rise approximately 400 feet short of the runway. The subsequent forced landing in about 18 inches of snow resulted in gear failure.
Sequence of Events
According to the instructor, the recovery demonstration was underway when the aircraft's main gear contacted snow-covered terrain. Unable to reach the runway, the pilot executed a landing in deep snow, which caused the landing gear to collapse.
Pilot Statements
The instructor reported that outside visual references were degraded due to sunlight reflecting through a thin overcast onto the all-white, snow-covered environment. Additionally, a slight haze reflection near the ground was noted when facing south. The instructor was not wearing colored glasses at the time of the incident.
Damage
No damage to persons or property other than the aircraft's landing gear was reported.