What happened
During a night approach under instrument meteorological conditions, an emergency medical flight experienced a runway excursion at a non-Part 1-39 airport. While performing a non-precision approach, the pilot noted that runway 32 was heavily covered in snow and slush approximately two miles from the threshold. Upon touchdown, the aircraft encountered deep slush, which caused the plane to decelerate and subsequently veer to the left after traveling 1,200 feet along the asphalt. The aircraft eventually left the edge of the runway and struck a snow bank.
Prior to the flight, the pilot had received a weather briefing that contained no Notices to Airmen (NOTAMs) regarding the condition of the destination airport. Although the pilot was aware of recent rain in the area and expected a clear runway, the actual surface conditions were significantly more hazardous than anticipated. The airport manager confirmed that the runway surface was covered in wet, slushy snow following periods of rain and wet snow the previous day and evening.
Findings
Investigation into the event highlighted a discrepancy between the observed runway conditions and the available aeronautical information. While the airport was not a 14 CFR Part 139 facility, management is still expected to communicate hazards that could impact flight operations. The pilot noted the absence of any NOTAMs regarding the runway state, and the airport's recent weather observations showed light snow had occurred within the 24 hours preceding the accident. The presence of heavy slush and snow on the runway was the primary factor in the aircraft veering off the paved surface.