N42Y

On January 28, 2000, about 0002 eastern standard time, a Piper PA-32RT-300, N42Y, registered to NES Enterprises, Llc., leased to and operated by Corporate Air Fleet, Inc., collided with a snow bank while taxiing from landing at the Columbia Metropolitan Airport, W. Columbia, South Carolina. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time and an instrument flight rules (IFR) flight plan was filed for the 14 CFR Part 135 non-scheduled, domestic, cargo flight. The airplane was substantially damaged and the commercial-rated pilot, the sole occupant, was not injured. The flight originated about 2320, from the Charlotte/Douglas International Airport, Charlotte, North Carolina.

The pilot stated that he landed on the numbers of runway 11 and applied moderate braking to exit off the runway onto high speed taxiway "C." While exiting onto taxiway "C" at approximately 50-60 knots, the left main landing gear collided with an approximate 18-inch-high berm of ice. The pilot continued to taxi to the ramp and after exiting the airplane, noted damage to the left main landing gear and wing.

Examination of runway 11/29 by FAA personnel revealed an ice berm approximately 3 feet wide and 18-24 inches high, on either side of the runway with the inner edge of the berm, approximately 6-8 feet inward from each runway edge. The ice berm had an opening for taxiway "C", and damage to the berm that was on the runway near Taxiway "C" was noted. The nosewheel was determined to be approximately 3 feet to the left of the lead off line from the runway onto the taxiway, At the time of impact.

Review of the Notice to Airman (NOTAM) information in effect for the accident airport at the time of the accident revealed a NOTAM which indicates, "[runway] 11/29 18 IN SNBNK", and "all twy [taxiway] edge lgts [lights] obscd [obscured] by snbnks [snowbanks]." A letter dated January 25, 2000, from the Columbia Metropolitan Airport to the Anderson Automated Flight Service Station indicates in part, "Caution snow berms 18 inches high adjacent to all taxiways and runways." Another letter from the airport to the Anderson Automated Flight Service Station on January 26, 2000, indicates in part, "Runways 5/23 and 11/29 are open with snow berms 18 inches high on runway edges." The NOTAM and letter from the airport pertaining to the 18-inch high snow berm did not identify that the usable width of the runway was reduced.

Review of the airport emergency plan revealed, "The Airport will promptly remove or control, as completely as practical, any snow, ice, and slush on certain paved portions of each movement area."