Primary finding
Probable cause
The pilot’s selection of an unsuitable runway for landing, which resulted in a loss of control and runway excursion.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The commercial pilot reported that he performed a fly over of the intended landing runway and determined that it was wet and muddy. During the landing roll, the braking action was minimal due to ice on the surface. The pilot determined that the airplane was not going to stop before the end of the runway, so he applied differential engine power to spin the airplane around; however, the airplane slid off the runway and impacted a snow berm resulting in the collapse of the left landing gear. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the left wing and left horizontal stabilizer. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.