Accident Details
The pilot departed on a short cross-country flight and arrived at the destination airport around 1100. After overflying the airport, the pilot observed blowing snow on both runways. With the wind reported from 220 degrees, the pilot elected to land on runway 22. During the landing roll-out, the airplane collided with plowed snow at the intersection of runway 07/25. The impact caused the nose gear to collapse, resulting in substantial damage to the airplane's fuselage.
Weather and Runway Conditions
At 1055, the automated weather reporting station at the airport reported visibility of 3 miles in light snow, with wind from 260 degrees at 11 knots. The pilot had noted blowing snow during the overflight. The airport's Automated Weather Observing System (AWOS) normally broadcast a recorded message stating that runway 07/25 was plowed during winter months; however, an electrical power interruption had erased that message prior to the accident.
Pilot Comments
The pilot stated that the snow banks should have been removed from the intersection and that a NOTAM (Notice to Airmen) should have been published regarding the condition. The pilot also indicated that the presence of plowed snow was unexpected given the lack of a NOTAM.
Airport Information
A review of the Airport/Facilities Directory (A/FD) note section for the airport contained the advisory: "Runway 07/25 plowed during winter months, contact the airport manager for conditions." This information was typically broadcast by the AWOS, but the power interruption prevented its transmission.