Event Details
While on final approach to Runway 25 at Kupper Airport in Manville, New Jersey, and just before flying over the displaced threshold, the pilot heard a 'thump.' The pilot elected to go around and requested verification of the landing gear's condition and position. After the gear was visually checked, the pilot landed on Runway 25 without further incident. The aircraft then taxied off the runway and was parked in a hangar.
Post-Landing Inspection
Following the landing, an examination of the aircraft revealed substantial damage to the main landing gear and skin buckling on the top of both wings. The damage was consistent with an impact during the approach.
Runway Inspection
A visual inspection of the runway disclosed a 36-inch-high frozen snowbank located approximately 60 feet before the displaced threshold. Impact marks on the snowbank indicated that the aircraft's main gear had traveled through the bank, resulting in the observed damage.