On November 21, 1983, a Cessna 170B (registration N3747C) was involved in an aviation accident near Kalispell, MT. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
An aircraft landed hard short of the runway after the pilot experienced icing problems, airspeed indicator failure, and reported engine power loss during flare. Investigation found leftover ice on wings affecting lift, but no engine malfunction.
Accident Summary
An aircraft landed hard just short of the runway following a sequence of in-flight issues reported by the pilot. The pilot had encountered icing problems during the flight, and the airspeed indicator ceased functioning while airborne. During the landing approach, the pilot reported losing engine power at approximately 30 feet above the ground while flaring for landing.
Investigation Findings
Examination of the aircraft by the operator revealed that the wings contained ice with streaks or marks, suggesting an attempt had been made to remove it. However, a sufficient amount of ice remained to affect the lifting qualities of the wing. No evidence of an engine malfunction was found, contradicting the pilot's report of a power loss.
The aircraft touched down hard and came to rest before the runway threshold. The report did not specify the extent of damage or whether any injuries occurred.