Accident Details
An airplane operating as an emergency medical flight sustained substantial damage after veering off the edge of runway 32 during the landing roll at a non-14 CFR Part 139 airport. The runway, which measured 5,235 feet in length and 100 feet in width, was constructed of asphalt and covered with slush and snow. The aircraft then impacted a snow bank. The accident occurred at night in instrument meteorological conditions.
Pilot Actions and Observations
The pilot reported that during a non-precision approach, when approximately two miles from the runway, he observed it to be completely covered in snow and slush. Despite this, he continued the approach. Upon touchdown, the airplane decelerated in deep slush and, after a rollout of about 1,200 feet, veered to the left. Prior to accepting the flight, the pilot had obtained a weather briefing from a flight service station. At that time, no Notices to Airmen (NOTAMs) existed regarding the destination airport. The pilot noted that he knew the airport was receiving rain and had expected the runway to be clear; he was surprised to find it covered with heavy slush.
Airport Conditions and Management
The airport manager stated that the runway was covered with wet, slushy snow, as there had been periods of wet snow and rain late the previous day and on the evening of the accident. The airport weather observation recorded light snow within approximately 24 hours before the accident. The pilot wondered why no NOTAM had been issued concerning the runway condition.
NOTAM Responsibilities
The Airport Facility Directory and the FAA's website list 14 CFR Part 139 airports, which are required to issue NOTAMs. However, Advisory Circular 150/5200-28C states that the management of a public-use airport is expected to make known, as soon as practical, any condition on or in the vicinity of an airport that will prevent, restrict, or present a hazard during aircraft arrivals or departures. Airport management is responsible for observing and reporting the condition of airport movement areas, and public notification is usually accomplished through the NOTAM system. The Aeronautical Information Manual describes NOTAM information as that which could affect a pilot's decision to make a flight, including airport or primary runway closures, changes in the status of navigational aids, ILS, radar service availability, and other information essential to planned operations.
Probable Cause and Contributing Factors
Probable cause (official findings): The inadequate in-flight decision to continue the approach to land, directional control not maintained, and the contaminated runway. Contributing factors were flight to destination alternate not performed, a notice to airman not issued by airport personnel relating to snow/slush contamination of the runway, and the snow bank that the airplane impacted during the landing.