Primary finding
Probable cause
The pilot’s loss of directional control when the airplane encountered snow and ice on the runway while landing at night in gusting crosswind conditions.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The pilot reported that after landing, during the landing roll, at night, in gusting crosswinds, the right main landing gear struck ice and a snow drift which caused the airplane to veer right. The pilot attempted to correct with opposite rudder; however, the airplane continued to slide on the ice and impacted a snow berm, which collapsed the nose gear. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the nose and fuselage. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.