Casualties unknown

1982-02-20: Piper PA-44-180T (N8226A) — Suffolk Co. Aircraft Co. — Mount Pocono, PA

Mount Pocono, PA, US

On February 20, 1982, a Piper PA-44-180T (registration N8226A) operated by Suffolk Co. Aircraft Co. was involved in an aviation accident near Mount Pocono, PA. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 1781061362Data APIEditorial standards

A pilot, after receiving negative icing reports, encountered rime ice on descent. Landing on a 2600 ft runway covered with powder snow over glare ice, the aircraft overran, and the nosewheel failed after hitting a ditch.

Flight Planning

Before departure, the pilot obtained a weather briefing and contacted the airport manager at the destination airport. At that time, the airport was reported to be open and usable.

En Route and Descent

During the flight, the pilot inquired with air traffic control about reports of icing in the Mount Pocono area and received a negative reply. While descending toward the destination, rime ice accumulated on the aircraft.

Landing and Overrun

Due to the additional weight from ice, the pilot maintained an indicated airspeed of 100 knots on final approach and touched down approximately 100 to 200 feet past the runway threshold. The runway, which was 2,600 feet long, appeared to be covered with only light snow. However, when the brakes were applied, the pilot discovered that the snow layer concealed glare ice. The pilot considered executing a go-around but rejected the option because of the ice on the aircraft and the presence of trees at the end of the runway. Additionally, it was a dark night, and the pilot was unfamiliar with the rising terrain near the airport. Unable to stop on the remaining runway, the aircraft continued off the end, and the nosewheel struck a ditch, causing it to fail. The airport had a second runway, Runway 05, which was 4,000 feet long, but its use would have required a circling approach.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20020917X02500. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.