Accident Details
The pilot reported that during the approach, a person on the ground who was not associated with airport operations informed him that there was about 3 inches of compacted snow on the runway. Before attempting to land, the pilot completed a low pass over the runway to observe conditions, but reported that it was dusk and he was observing flat light conditions.
The touchdown was normal, but about 50 to 75 feet into the landing roll the airplane pulled to the left. The pilot attempted to correct with right rudder but was unable to stop the airplane from ground looping to the left into a snow berm. After the accident, the pilot observed that he had landed left of center and that the left main landing gear had caught a one-foot snow berm.
Aircraft Damage
The right wing and right elevator were substantially damaged. The pilot reported no mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
Runway and Conditions
According to the Federal Aviation Administration Airport Facility Directory, the destination had intermittent snow removal and the airport manager could be called for current conditions. The runway used was not equipped with runway lights.