Incident Overview
A cargo flight making an intermediate stop at a remote airport was involved in an incident during landing. Another company airplane had landed about 3 minutes prior. The weather conditions at the time included flat lighting and overcast skies. Visibility near the runway varied from 1/2 to 3/4 mile in blowing snow, with a right quartering crosswind of 20 to 30 knots.
Pilot Report
The pilot reported that the airplane developed a high sink rate near the approach end of the runway. To stabilize the landing approach, the pilot added engine power. About 150 to 200 yards from the approach end of the runway, the pilot encountered white-out conditions.
Impact Details
The nose wheel of the airplane struck a snow berm that was 12 inches wide and 6 inches high. The berm was located at the edge of the runway safety area, approximately 100 feet short of the runway threshold.
Witness Observations
Witnesses observed the airplane approaching the runway at a shallow angle with nearly 200 yards remaining before the beginning of the runway environment.
Runway Markings
The runway was marked with illuminated lighting and orange cones.