What happened
During the final approach, the pilot attempted to activate the radio-controlled runway boundary lights on two separate occasions, once while approximately 10 miles from the airfield and again while established in the traffic pattern. These attempts to activate the lighting system were unsuccessful.
As the aircraft continued its descent, the pilot utilized the visual approach slope indicator (VASI) to maintain the glide path, descending to an altitude of roughly 500 feet. The pilot maintained visual contact with the airport and believed the conditions were sufficient to proceed with the landing.
Upon reaching the ground, the aircraft made contact with approximately 18 inches of accumulated snow, landing 60 feet to the right of the designated runway. The pilot later realized that the visual cues used for the landing were actually snowmobile tracks rather than the actual runway surface. An attempt to execute a go-around was initiated, but the aircraft struck the ground with enough force to cause the collapse of the nose landing gear. No mechanical failures were reported by the pilot during the sequence of events.
Findings
- The pilot misidentified snowmobile tracks as the runway centerline during the approach.
- The aircraft landed in deep snow, approximately 18 inches in depth.
- There were no reported mechanical malfunctions contributing to the excursion.