NTSB Factual Report

In a written statement, the pilot reported that he regularly commutes between the departure and destination airports, a majority of which is conducted in the winter months. While nearing the vicinity of the destination airport, the pilot received an airport condition report from airport personnel. The report indicated that there was runway ice with a 1- to 2-inch layer of snow blanketing the surface. On final approach the pilot aligned the airplane for landing on runway 28. He flared the airplane over what he thought was the normal touchdown point on the snow covered runway. The airplane touched down on the airport property about 50 feet north, and parallel to, the runway. While on the landing roll the airplane encountered a snow berm at the edge of runway 19.

The pilot opined that his extensive experience landing at the airport, and the relatively benign weather conditions, led to his complacency and deviation from standard aeronautical decision making practices; he believed this combination resulted in the accident. The pilot additionally reported no mechanical malfunctions or failures prior to impact. As a result of the impact, the airplane incurred substantial damage to the firewall.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot's failure to identify the snow-covered runway, which resulted in an off-runway landing and subsequent collision with a berm.