What happened
While operating on runway 11, the pilot performed a landing and proceeded to exit the runway via taxiway 'C'. During this high-speed exit, the left main landing gear collided with an ice berm measuring approximately 18 inches in height. Following the impact, the pilot taxied the aircraft to the ramp, where damage to the airplane was identified. No injuries were reported.
At the time of the accident, a Notice to Air Missions (NOTAM) was in effect for runway 11/29, stating that there were 18-inch snowbanks present and that all taxiway edge lights were obscured by snowbanks. However, this NOTAM did not indicate that the usable width of the runway had been reduced.
The investigation
An FAA inspector examined runway 11/29 and discovered an ice berm approximately 18 inches high and 3 feet wide on both sides of the runway. The inner edge of these ice berms was located roughly 6 to 8 feet inward from each runway edge. While there was an opening provided for taxiway 'C', the investigation determined that the nosewheel was approximately 3 feet to the left of the lead-off line from the runway onto the taxiway at the moment of the accident.