Incident Details
During an approach, the airplane touched down on the unplowed portion of the runway, encountering a snowbank. The landing gear collapsed as a result of the impact. The runway, which was 150 feet wide, had been plowed to a width of 100 feet. Snowbanks up to 3 feet high flanked both sides of the plowed area.
Weather and Runway Conditions
Prior to starting the approach, the flight crew was advised that visibility at the airport had decreased to 1/8 mile, accompanied by light rain, fog, and obscuration. The published landing visibility minimum for the approach was 1 mile. The tower controller reported losing sight of the airplane as it landed due to fog.
Crew and Controller Statements
The flight crew stated that the approach lights and runway were visible throughout the entire approach. As the aircraft neared touchdown, the second pilot informed the pilot-in-command (PIC) that he was too far left and needed to correct to the right. The tower controller indicated that he lost visual contact with the airplane during landing because of the fog.
Probable Cause
The pilot's failure to attain alignment with the centerline of the runway, and his failure to execute a missed approach. Factors which contributed to the accident were: the dark night, the pilot's improper decision to initiate the approach in below-minimum weather conditions, the adverse weather, and the snow covered runway.