Landing Event
A commercial certificated pilot performed a landing on a snow-covered runway during night visual meteorological conditions. According to the pilot, after the main landing gear touched down and the nose wheel was lowered to the runway, the airplane abruptly veered to the left. The airplane departed the left side of the runway, and the left wing struck a snow berm.
Damage Inspection
The accident resulted in displacement of the nose gear strut, which occurred when a strut side brace fractured. The left wing sustained damage to the outboard rib and the leading edge of the wingtip. The pilot reported the wind condition as 140 degrees at 5 knots.
Post-accident, the operator's director of maintenance reported that during the repair of the nose gear assembly, no evidence of a mechanical malfunction was found.
Runway Information
The runway is 2,120 feet long and 35 feet wide. According to the FAA Airport/Facility Directory, Alaska Supplement, the runway is unattended. The directory cautions that runway condition is not monitored and recommends a visual inspection prior to use. It also notes frequent crosswinds.