No, Donuel; witnesses and authorities at Pearson all say the runway was clean and dry. The aircraft did not “flare” — that is, raise its nose — as it touched down, and the port side landing gear collapsed., hence the flip.

Meanwhile, in Stratford (150 km or so west of Pearson Airport), the snow continues to fall. Choir practice has been cancelled again, and schools all over southwestern Ontario are closed. From my front window, I can see about two feet of snow on my neighbours’ rooves, and the snow out back is up to the top of the patio table.

Yesterday I went out with a shovel to dig out the furnace vent and the gas meter. (I don’t have snowshoes any more, a deficiency I intend to correct.) I sank deep into the snow and managed to wallow about half-way around the house before I fell over. I struggled for a good ten minutes before I finally managed to regain my feet; every time I tried to brace myself, I sank deeper, as if in quicksand. Fortunately, I was warmly dressed and I had the shovel!

I have no patience with those who rhapsodize about the beauty of snow in February.