Incident Overview
A Beech 35-B33 was substantially damaged during landing when it struck a snow berm on the right side of the runway. The pilot had accepted runway 35R for landing after the preferred runway 28 was closed due to a previous incident with an aircraft blocking the runway.
Weather Conditions
The wind was reported from 290 degrees at 20 knots, with gusts to 28 knots. This produced a crosswind component of about 17 knots and a headwind component of about 10 knots. Gusts of 28 knots would yield a crosswind component of about 24 knots and a headwind component of 14 knots.
Landing Sequence
While aligning with the runway, the pilot observed 'snow fingers' across the runway and planned to touch down between the centerline and the right side. After touchdown, a crosswind caused the aircraft to drift to the right. The airplane subsequently struck a snow berm on the right side of the runway, resulting in substantial damage.
Aircraft Performance Data
According to the Beech Aircraft Corporation, the maximum demonstrated crosswind component for the Beech 35-B33 is 17 knots. The actual crosswind conditions at the time of landing exceeded this limit, particularly during gusts.