Incident Summary
An airplane experienced a loss of directional control during landing and subsequently contacted a snow berm on the side of the runway. The impact caused the nose gear to collapse. The airplane came to rest 20 feet off the left side of the runway, approximately 1,000 feet past the approach end.
Weather and Runway Conditions
While en route, the pilot listened to the automated weather observing system (AWOS) at the destination airport, which reported light snow and a notice to airmen (NOTAM) containing Bowmonk friction measurements of 33, 35, and 36 MU. Air traffic control relayed the same information. Neither the AWOS nor the controller indicated any rapid changes in conditions. The NOTAM was issued at 1015, and runway friction testing had been conducted at 1002. The NOTAM remarks included "1/2 inch loose snow over patchy ice, compacted snow and ice all surfaces, executive ramp closed." The Bowmonk readings for runway 04 were 35, 33, and 36. Winds were reported from 170 degrees at 8 knots.
Sequence of Events
The pilot flew an ILS approach for runway 04, breaking out of the clouds at 600 feet above ground level. She stated, "I don't believe there was ever any traction obtained, aircraft began a slide towards left side of runway." The left main landing gear then contacted a snow berm on the side of the runway, causing the nose of the airplane to swing around and hit the berm, collapsing the nose gear. The airplane came to rest 20 feet left of the runway.
Additional Details
The pilot reported that the owner of the local fixed base operator drove onto the runway in his pickup truck to offer assistance. He also experienced no braking and slid into the same snow berm. According to the Airmen's Information Manual, Section 3 Airport Operations, Paragraph 4-3-9, MU values range from 0 to 100, with 40 or less indicating that braking performance starts to deteriorate and directional control becomes less responsive. The lower the MU value, the less effective braking and the more difficult directional control.