On December 27, 1984, a Beech P35 (registration N1DL) was involved in an aviation accident near Morrisville, VT. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to maintain adequate airspeed and apply appropriate power during a landing approach in icing conditions, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A pilot cancelled an IFR flight plan for a visual approach in VFR conditions but stalled the aircraft upon crossing the runway threshold due to rime ice, causing all landing gear to collapse.
What happened
The pilot noted the accumulation of rime ice during the flight. While conducting an NDB approach, VFR conditions were reached approximately seven miles from the runway. The pilot cancelled the IFR flight plan and performed a straight-in visual approach. Upon crossing the threshold at about 20 feet AGL, the pilot reduced throttle. The aircraft immediately entered a stall buffet and mushed to the runway surface. All three landing gear collapsed in overload.
Findings
The pilot stated that he should have carried approach power to land given the ice accumulation. The stall occurred due to insufficient airspeed and power management in icing conditions.
Probable cause
The pilot's failure to maintain adequate airspeed and apply appropriate power during a landing approach in icing conditions, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall.
What happened in the 27 Dec 1984 Beech P35 accident near Morrisville, VT?
A pilot cancelled an IFR flight plan for a visual approach in VFR conditions but stalled the aircraft upon crossing the runway threshold due to rime ice, causing all landing gear to collapse.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 27 Dec 1984 involved a Beech P35, registration N1DL, at Morrisville, VT.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
The pilot's failure to maintain adequate airspeed and apply appropriate power during a landing approach in icing conditions, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall.
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