Accident Overview
An airplane sustained substantial damage when it impacted a snow bank during the landing rollout. According to the pilot, the landing initially proceeded normally, with the aircraft touching down on the runway centerline. However, as the pilot lowered the nose, the airplane turned abruptly to the left and became uncontrollable.
Sequence of Events
After the loss of control, one wheel departed the runway surface, and the airplane subsequently struck a snow bank located at the intersection of the runway and a taxiway. Following the initial impact, the airplane traveled an additional 25 feet down the runway before coming to rest. The nose landing gear separated from the airframe and was found at the point of initial impact.
Runway Conditions
The center portion of the runway was dry, while the outer edges were covered with compacted snow and ice. The taxiway intersection was also covered with compacted snow and ice. No skid marks attributable to the accident airplane were observed on the dry portion of the runway.
Post-Accident Inspection
A post-accident inspection of the aircraft did not reveal any anomalies or mechanical issues that could have contributed to the event.