Aircraft Collides with Snowberm After Landing in Dark Conditions (N1749U)

What happened

The pilot reported losing directional control of the aircraft during the landing phase. The event occurred on a dark night under conditions where visibility was likely compromised by the lack of adequate lighting. The airplane touched down approximately 20 feet to the left of the runway centerline. At the moment of touchdown, the left main wheel was positioned just 2 to 3 feet from a snowberm along the left side of the runway. This snowberm had a depth of approximately 2 to 3 feet.

The landing was conducted with inoperative landing and taxi lights. The absence of these critical lighting systems likely contributed to the pilot's inability to maintain proper alignment with the runway during the final approach and touchdown. Upon impact with the snowberm, the aircraft sustained damage consistent with a collision at low speed.

The investigation

Examination of the accident site revealed the position of the aircraft relative to the runway centerline and the snowberm. The inoperative status of the landing and taxi lights was confirmed as a contributing factor to the loss of directional control.