Incident Overview
An airline transport pilot was conducting a personal cross-country flight under Title 14, Code of Federal Regulations Part 91. Upon arrival at the destination airport, the pilot observed 3 to 4 inches of new snow on the runway. Overcast skies and low light conditions made the environment appear uniformly gray.
Approach and Landing
The pilot reported that the visual approach slope indicator (VASI) lights were inoperative, and an appropriate notice to airmen (NOTAM) had been issued. After activating the runway lights, the pilot identified what he believed to be the runway surface and aligned the runway edge lights on his left side. Following touchdown, the pilot realized he had landed to the right of the actual runway surface, with the right-side runway edge lights now on his left.
Post-Impact Sequence
The airplane settled into deep snow and subsequently impacted a snowbank, which caused the landing gear to collapse. The pilot noted in a written statement that, given the snow and light conditions, using the wide area augmentation system (WAAS) instrument flight rules (IFR) approach would have aligned the airplane with the runway surface.
Aircraft Status
The pilot stated there were no known mechanical problems with the airplane prior to the accident. During the event, the airplane sustained structural fuselage damage.