December 23, 1983

On Airport - Sardy Field

THE ACFT COLLIDED WITH THE SNOW TO THE SIDE AND SHORT OF THE RWY DURING THE APPROACH TO LAND. THE PLT SAID THE ACFT WAS BLOWN OFF LINE AND HIS VISION WAS OBSCURED BY BLOWING SNOW. THE ACFT HIT REIL LIGHTS AND STOPPED 760 FT SHORT OF THE APPROACH END OF THE RWY. THE WEATHER WAS 3000 FT SCATTERED, ESTIMATED 4000 FT OVERCAST, VISIBILITY 6 MILES IN LIGHT SNOW SHOWERS, WIND FROM 310 DEGREES AT 15 KTS. 30 MINUTES LATER WAS INDEFINITE CEILING 100 FT OBSCURED VISILBITY 2 MILES IN BLOWING SNOW AND FOG, WIND FROM 330 DEGREES AT 15 KTS.

Probable Cause

Visual lookout..Poor..Pilot in command
Visual/aural perception..Pilot in command
Compensation for wind conditions..Inaccurate..Pilot in command
Directional control..Not maintained..Pilot in command
Proper alignment..Not maintained..Pilot in command

Contributing Factors

Weather condition..Snow
Weather condition..Fog