What happened
The pilot reported that during the arrival phase at Manhattan, Kansas, the runway surface contained patches of snow and was surrounded by terrain covered in snow. Just prior to landing, she noticed a snowbank located at the approach end of the runway. She attempted evasive action, but the right main gear struck the snowbank and separated from the aircraft. Subsequently, the aircraft veered during touchdown and sustained further damage.
The investigation
The investigation focused on the mechanical failure of the landing gear system following the impact with the snowbank. Examination confirmed that the right main gear separated from the airframe upon contact with the obstruction. No other pre-existing mechanical anomalies were identified as contributing factors to the initial loss of control or the gear separation.
Findings
Contributing factors included the presence of a snowbank at the approach end of the runway and the pilot's inability to avoid it during the final moments of the landing roll. The right main gear separated from the aircraft upon impact with the snowbank, leading to a loss of directional control and subsequent veering during touchdown. The runway conditions, characterized by patches of snow and surrounding snow-covered terrain, reduced visibility of obstacles at the threshold.
Safety message
Pilots operating in winter conditions should exercise extreme caution when approaching runways with known or suspected snow accumulation. Clear communication with air traffic control regarding runway surface conditions and potential obstructions is critical for safe landing operations.