On December 4, 1984, a Cessna T310R (registration N4864A) was involved in an aviation accident near Lubbock, TX. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Ice accumulation on the wings resulted in an excessive rate of descent, causing a hard landing and loss of directional control on the ground. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A pilot encountered icing during an ASR approach. Ice buildup on wings led to an excessive descent rate, hard landing, and loss of directional control, resulting in a collision with a concrete wall. The pilot's forward visibility was impaired by ice on the undiced right windshield.
Approach and Icing Conditions
During an ASR (Airport Surveillance Radar) approach, the pilot reported encountering icing conditions. The aircraft's deicing equipment was activated multiple times throughout the approach and was reported to have functioned normally. The aircraft subsequently broke out of the clouds at an altitude of 400 feet above ground level.
Hard Landing and Loss of Control
Ice accumulation on the wings caused an excessive rate of descent, leading to a hard landing. Upon touchdown, the aircraft lost directional control and departed the runway. The out-of-control aircraft then collided with a concrete wall.
Cockpit Configuration and Visibility
The pilot was flying the aircraft from the right seat. The right side of the windshield is not equipped with deicing capability, resulting in an accumulation of ice on that panel. This impaired the pilot's forward visibility during the approach and landing. The left seat was occupied by a rated private pilot who was reported to be a passenger.
Probable cause
Ice accumulation on the wings resulted in an excessive rate of descent, causing a hard landing and loss of directional control on the ground.