Casualties unknown

Pilot Fatal After Stall on Ice-Contaminated Runway (N218X)

Morrisonville, NY, US

On March 20, 1984, a Beech H-18 (registration N218X) was involved in an aviation accident near Morrisonville, NY. 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 2026-06-10Data APIEditorial standards

A pilot died when his aircraft stalled and crashed after attempting takeoff on an ice- and snow-covered runway. Ice had accumulated on the wings and leading edges, and deicing equipment was unavailable.

Incident Overview

The pilot landed on an ice- and snow-covered runway after loading 1,512 pounds of cargo in freezing drizzle conditions. After taxiing for takeoff for an IFR departure, shortly after rotation the right wing dropped and the aircraft touched back down on the runway.

Ice Accumulation

A visual examination revealed ice accumulations on the leading edges and upper wing surfaces. The pilot attempted to obtain deicing equipment, which was not available. He was offered use of a hangar but declined. The airport manager was en route to check runway conditions for plowing the ice- and snow-covered runway when the pilot returned to the aircraft.

Attempted Takeoff

An unsuccessful attempt was made to remove ice from the leading edges by hand. The pilot decided to attempt another takeoff, at which time he was almost half an hour beyond his scheduled departure time. Liftoff occurred approximately one-fifth of the way down the runway, and after flying at 50 feet above ground level (AGL), he initiated a climb.

Stall and Impact

After attaining an altitude of several hundred feet, the aircraft stalled and descended uncontrolled to impact. The aircraft was destroyed by impact and fire, and the pilot was fatally injured.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001214X39143. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.