NTSB Factual Report

The pilot reported that "the airplane was performing really good" throughout the flight and as he entered the traffic pattern for landing at the destination airport. The pilot perceived that he was "high" on final approach, and slipped the airplane to increase the descent rate. On short final, the airplane was "low" and struck a snowbank that crossed the approach end of the runway, which resulted in substantial damage to the airplane. Upon striking the snowbank, the pilot aborted the landing and diverted safely to a nearby airport staffed with crash, fire, and rescue personnel.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot's failure to maintain a proper glidepath to the runway.