Final Report: Caravan landed in snow

Cessna Caravan 208B, Bethel, Alaska, Jan. 15, 2008–The Grant Aviation Caravan touched down between the runway and the taxiway in the snow removed from the active surfaces; the Safety Board blamed “the pilot’s selection of unsuitable terrain for landing.” Contributing factors were snow-covered terrain, blowing snow and flat lighting conditions. The nosegear collapsed and the airplane sustained structural damage to the firewall and forward fuselage bulkhead. The ATP-rated pilot, a paramedic and two patients were not injured. A second paramedic suffered minor injuries. The VFR weather observation included “occasional localized low drifting snow and blowing snow.” ‚