Incident Description
During the landing roll, the aircraft veered off the snow-covered runway. It came to rest approximately halfway down the runway after crossing through a snow bank on the left side, paralleling the runway, and re-entering the surface.
Runway and Snow Conditions
The runway was covered with snow. Snow plow equipment operators were unable to keep the runway clear due to strong winds, which caused finger drifts to develop soon after each plowing session. Two-foot-high snow banks existed on both sides of the runway. The snow bank on the left side bore evidence of wheel marks where the aircraft crossed through.
Pilot Statement
The pilot reported that he felt the left landing gear strike a drift. The aircraft then swerved, and the landing gear collapsed.
Weather at the Time
The accident occurred at night. The weather was reported as indefinite ceiling 400 feet, sky obscured, with visibility of 1 1/4 miles in light snow and fog.