What happened
The aircraft was conducting a landing operation when it began to drift toward the right side of the runway during the final phase of the approach. As the pilot attempted to flare for touchdown, the right main wheel contacted an area of slush on the runway surface. This contact caused the aircraft to lose directional control and slide off the paved surface to the right, ultimately coming to rest in a snowbank.
The impact with the snowbank resulted in damage to the landing gear assembly and the left wing tip. Post-accident analysis indicated that the pilot had misjudged the runway conditions from the air, perceiving the slushy area as merely a light dusting of snow. At the time of the accident, meteorological conditions included a steady crosswind component of 15 knots, which likely contributed to the difficulty in maintaining lateral alignment during the flare.
The investigation
Examination of the wreckage confirmed damage consistent with a runway excursion into soft terrain. The landing gear structure and left wing tip showed deformation indicative of impact with the snowbank after leaving the runway pavement. No mechanical failures were identified that would have contributed to the loss of control prior to touchdown.
Findings
Contributing factors included the presence of slush on the runway, which reduced tire traction and directional stability during touchdown. The crosswind component required active correction by the pilot, complicating the landing flare. Visual misinterpretation of surface conditions from the air led to an inability to anticipate the loss of grip upon contact.