Primary finding
Probable cause
The pilot's loss of directional control during the landing roll on the slush-covered runway.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The pilot departed from a snow-packed runway, flew locally for about 2 hours, and then returned to land. The pilot stated that, while in the traffic pattern preparing to land, the runway still appeared to be snow-packed like it was during the departure. However, the runway was actually slush covered with patches of ice due to the morning sun melting the previously hard snow, and the airplane veered left during the landing roll. The pilot was unable to maintain directional control, and the airplane subsequently impacted a snowbank on the edge of the runway and nosed over, which resulted in substantial damage to both wings and the vertical stabilizer.
Source record
Factual narrative
The pilot and passenger departed from the uncontrolled airport on a snow packed runway and flew locally for about 2 hours, then returned to land. The pilot stated that while in the traffic pattern preparing to land, the runway appeared to be in the same condition as during the departure. Instead, the runway was slush covered due to the morning sun melting the snow and the airplane veered to the left during landing rollout. The pilot was unable to maintain directional control and the airplane subsequently impacted a snowbank on the edge of the runway and nosed over, which damaged both wings and the vertical stabilizer.