Incident Overview
After landing, the pilot-in-command (PIC) taxied the airplane toward the ramp. Visibility was reduced due to blowing snow. The second-in-command (SIC) reported that while taxiing, he observed a snow bank as it passed under the nose of the airplane. Before he could inform the PIC, he heard a 'slapping' noise on the side of the airplane.
Aircraft Examination
Subsequent examination of the airplane revealed that two propeller blades had separated from the right engine's propeller hub. The separated blades struck the right side of the airplane's fuselage. The airplane had taxied into a snow bank that was 28 inches high and ran perpendicular to its path across the ramp.
Snow Bank Origin
The snow bank was left on the ramp by airport snow plowing operations. Neither the airport's NOTAMs (Notices to Airmen) nor its terminal information service (ATIS) reported the presence of snow banks across the ramp.
Concurrent Incidents
During the same time frame, an Airbus and a Boeing 727 became stuck while taxiing in the snow at the airport.