Accident Details
An aircraft executing an ILS approach to runway 6 experienced a sequence of events leading to a collision with a snow bank. According to the pilot, the aircraft broke out of the clouds at 500 feet during the approach but subsequently re-entered the clouds. The aircraft had not yet touched down when it drifted to the right of the runway centerline and struck a snow bank located in the grass to the right of the runway, between the runway and the taxiway.
The pilot stated that he was just starting the missed approach when the accident occurred, and that there was no indication of a malfunction of the aircraft. The reported weather conditions at the time included a ceiling of 100 feet sky obscured, visibility of 1/4 mile, and wind from 040 degrees at 6 knots.
Investigation Findings
Official investigation determined the probable cause of the accident to be the pilot's failure to comply with IFR procedures in that he attempted an instrument approach with visibility below the required minimums, and his delayed execution of a missed approach. A contributing factor was the reduced visibility due to clouds.