Cargo Flight Returns to Airport and Collides with Terrain Short of Runway (N8540F)

Incident Overview and Weather Conditions A commercial certificated pilot departed on the first portion of a cargo flight after receiving a Special VFR clearance. At the time of departure, visibility at the airport was reported as 2 1/2 miles in light snow. After takeoff, the pilot stated that the sky condition deteriorated, becoming more obscured and indefinite. ## Return to Airport and Approach In response to the worsening conditions, the pilot decided to return to the airport and obtained a Special VFR clearance for the return. The pilot was cleared to land on a runway that did not have a visual approach slope indicator (VASI). During the landing approach, the pilot reported being able to see the approach end of the runway, but noted that the lighting conditions were very flat. ## Collision and Damage The airplane collided with snow-covered terrain approximately 25 yards short of the approach end of the runway. The impact sheared off the landing gear and caused damage to the engine cowling, belly structure, and wing spars.