What happened
The pilot was operating an aircraft at a private airport when the accident occurred during the landing phase. Upon touchdown, the airplane failed to maintain proper alignment with the runway centerline. As the aircraft rolled down the runway, the left landing gear made contact with a snow berm that ran parallel to the paved surface. This impact caused the airplane to pitch forward and come to rest on its nose.
The investigation
Examination of the site revealed that the runway was covered with 12 to 18 inches of fresh snow. The snow had not been plowed prior to the flight. Additionally, no Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) had been issued to alert pilots to these hazardous conditions.
Findings
The primary factor in this accident was the pilot's failure to establish and maintain proper runway alignment during the landing roll. Contributing to the severity of the outcome was the presence of a snow berm parallel to the runway, which was not visible or anticipated due to the lack of prior maintenance and notification.
Safety message
Pilots must ensure that runway conditions are current and known before attempting a landing. When snow cover is present, extra caution is required to maintain directional control and avoid obstacles such as berms or snowbanks adjacent to the active surface.