Primary finding
Probable cause
The pilot's improper identification of the runway surface. Contributing to the accident was the snow covering the runway lights.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
During a night landing, the pilot misidentified the runway surface and landed the airplane in a snowbank on the left side of the runway. He stated that most of the runway lights had been covered by heavy snow and were not clearly visible when the airplane was on the straight-in approach. The airplane sustained substantial damage to both wings and the horizontal stabilizer.
Source record
Factual narrative
During a night landing, the pilot misidentified the runway surface, and landed the airplane in a snowbank on the left side of the runway. He stated that most of the runway lights had been covered by heavy snow, and were not clearly visible on the straight-in approach. The airplane sustained substantial damage to both wings, and the horizontal stabilizer.