What happened
The accident occurred during a night flight operation involving a student pilot. The pilot was attempting to land on a runway that had been treated with compacted, patchy snow. According to the pilot's account, the final approach and subsequent touchdown were positioned to the left of the runway centerline.
Upon initial contact with the ground, the airplane's left main landing gear tire rolled onto a snow bank. This accumulation of snow protruded approximately three feet inward from the edge of the runway. As the aircraft continued forward, the left tire became stuck within this snow bank. The pivot point created by the stuck gear caused the airplane to rotate, resulting in the right wing colliding with the runway surface.
The investigation
The investigation focused on the physical evidence at the accident site and the pilot's statements regarding the approach and touchdown. Investigators noted the condition of the runway, specifically the presence of compacted snow and the protruding snow bank near the edge. Examination of the aircraft confirmed damage to the right wing consistent with a collision against the runway surface following a pivot on the left main landing gear.
Findings
Several factors contributed to the accident sequence. The runway conditions were critical, with compacted and patchy snow reducing visibility of the runway edges and creating uneven surfaces. The pilot's decision to land at night in these conditions played a significant role. The final approach was not aligned properly, as the touchdown occurred left of the centerline. This positioning led directly to the left main landing gear encountering the snow bank. The protrusion of the snow bank approximately three feet from the edge created an obstacle that trapped the tire. The pivot on the stuck left tire then caused the right wing to strike the runway.
Safety message
Pilots operating in winter conditions must carefully evaluate runway surface conditions, including compacted snow and ice, which can obscure edges and create hidden hazards such as protruding snow banks. Night landings require heightened attention to approach alignment and touchdown position to avoid edge excursions.