On December 26, 1982, a Beech C23 (registration N9256S) operated by Kingston F. Smith was involved in an aviation accident near Childress, TX. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
During flight, freezing rain accumulated on the windshield and wings. After two approaches with obscured visibility, the pilot landed but the aircraft went off the runway into a muddy cotton field, collapsing the landing gear.
Incident Overview
The flight encountered freezing rain, which began to accumulate on the windshield and wings. The pilot reported checking the conditions and finding that clouds had closed in behind the aircraft. He decided to divert to Childress, Texas.
Flight Events
While en route to Childress, additional ice accumulated on the aircraft. The pilot's forward visibility through the windshield became obscured. On the first approach, the pilot had no forward visibility and elected to go around. After a second approach, he landed the aircraft.
Landing and Aftermath
Upon landing, the aircraft traveled off the end of the runway and continued into a muddy cotton field. The landing gear collapsed during the excursion. No injuries were reported by the pilot.