Accident Summary
The pilot of an airplane reported that the accident occurred while attempting a low pass over a snow-covered runway. The airplane impacted terrain short of Runway 33 before the pilot realized the proximity to the ground.
Pilot Report
According to the pilot, there was light blowing snow at the time of the accident. The airport environment and runway were covered with one to two inches of new snow. The pilot cancelled IFR about 15 miles from the destination and continued under VFR. He stated that he intended to make a low pass to observe the condition of the snow-covered runway. During the maneuver, the pilot lowered the landing gear and full flaps, turned onto the runway heading, and observed the altimeter indication at 820 feet. Before he realized it, the airplane impacted the terrain short of Runway 33.
Weather and Runway Conditions
Light blowing snow was present at the time of the accident. The runway and surrounding airport environment were covered with one to two inches of new snow. The pilot's intended low pass was to visually assess the snow condition on the runway.