On December 21, 1983, a Piper PA-32-260 (registration N5685V) was involved in an aviation accident near Indian Head, MD. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to maintain aircraft control while encountering freezing rain during a go-around, which resulted in striking trees. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
The pilot encountered freezing rain on departure and approach to DCA, elected to go around during base-to-final turn, and struck trees before the aircraft came to rest near runway 35.
What happened
Shortly after departing Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA), the pilot reported encountering a small amount of rain that froze on the windshield. The flight continued toward the destination, and freezing rain was encountered again while turning from base to final approach. The pilot elected to execute a go-around but struck trees. The aircraft came to rest 400 feet from the approach end of runway 35, 205 feet left of centerline.
Findings
The primary factors contributing to this accident were freezing rain conditions and the resulting loss of control during a go-around maneuver. The pilot's decision to continue into known icing conditions without adequate deicing equipment or alternate routing likely contributed to the incident.
Probable cause
The pilot's failure to maintain aircraft control while encountering freezing rain during a go-around, which resulted in striking trees.
Frequently asked questions
What happened in the 21 Dec 1983 Piper PA-32-260 accident near Indian Head, MD?
The pilot encountered freezing rain on departure and approach to DCA, elected to go around during base-to-final turn, and struck trees before the aircraft came to rest near runway 35.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 21 Dec 1983 involved a Piper PA-32-260, registration N5685V, at Indian Head, MD.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
The pilot's failure to maintain aircraft control while encountering freezing rain during a go-around, which resulted in striking trees.
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