Incident Overview
A pilot landing an airplane reported a sequence of events leading to the destruction of the aircraft by fire. The pilot stated that during the second landing, a "small" impact was felt just before touchdown. The airplane then pitched down and skidded to a stop.
Sequence of Events
After the airplane came to a stop, the pilot observed smoke emanating from the lower left side of the cowling, just forward of the firewall. A post-impact fire ensued, resulting in the complete destruction of the airplane.
Pilot and Airport Manager Statements
The pilot reported observing evidence that the airplane's nose wheel impacted a snow berm located on the approach to the runway. The pilot estimated the berm to be about five feet high and twenty feet wide. The airport manager provided a different assessment, stating that approximately four inches of snow had accumulated on the ground prior to the accident, but almost all of it had been plowed from the runway. The manager reported that the accident airplane's nose gear impacted a snow berm that was about ten feet off the end of the runway and about 28 inches high.
The pilot reported that there were no preimpact mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airframe or engine that would have precluded normal operation.
Outcome
The airplane was destroyed as a result of the post-impact fire. No further details on injuries or other consequences were provided in the source.