Why on Earth, were they cleared to land?

[lizbud]

That's the first thing I said as I watched the coverage on CNN last
night. I really didn't realize how small that airport was.(1 sq. mile )
I know it snowed so hard here during the storm, we had white-out
conditions. You couldn't see to walk, let alone drive. I feel so sorry
for the family in the car that was crushed.

[ramanth]

I heard that at the time of clearance, conditions were okay, but a 'freak' heavy patch of snow started just as the plane was landing AND there was mechanical failure involved. The reverse thrusters were not working properly.

RIP little boy.