Incident Overview
A pilot reported that during final approach, he initiated a flare prior to reaching the runway threshold. The intention was to take advantage of the full runway length, expecting to touch down on the runway numbers. During the flare, the pilot felt a bump as the airplane collided with a snowbank.
Location and Obstacle Details
The snowbank was located approximately 10 feet from the end of the runway. It measured about three feet in height. According to the pilot, neither he nor his pilot-rated passenger saw the snowbank before the impact.
Flight Sequence
The pilot stated that he flared early in order to maximize the use of the available runway. He anticipated a touchdown on the runway numbers. However, the early flare caused the airplane to strike the snowbank, which was situated just off the runway end.
Crew Observations
Both the pilot and the passenger, who was also a pilot, did not visually detect the snowbank during the approach and flare. The first indication of the obstacle was the bump felt upon impact.