Incident Overview
A pilot reported that while taxiing onto a snow-covered runway for departure, visibility of runway markings was compromised by the snow cover. Unable to discern the markings, the pilot decided to cancel the flight and return to the ramp. During the maneuver to exit the runway, the aircraft departed the paved surface and went down an embankment.
Damage and Mechanical Assessment
The airplane sustained substantial damage to the empennage as a result of the incident. The pilot stated that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions that would have precluded normal operation, indicating the event was not precipitated by an aircraft system issue.
Pilot Report
According to the pilot's account, the decision to cancel the departure was made after realizing the inability to see runway markings. The subsequent exit from the runway and descent down the embankment occurred while returning to the ramp area. No other factors or conditions were noted by the pilot regarding the cause of the excursion.