On February 5, 1985, a Douglas DC-3 (registration N28BA) operated by Bo-s-aire Airlines, Inc. was involved in an aviation accident near Charlotte, NC. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A pilot attempted an instrument departure from Charlotte, NC without deicing the aircraft, which witnesses reported had ice on the airframe. During climbout, elevator control was lost, leading to a return and a runway excursion upon landing.
Incident Overview
A pilot conducted an instrument departure from Charlotte, North Carolina, without applying deicing procedures. Witnesses reported that the aircraft had ice accumulation on its airframe prior to departure.
Loss of Elevator Control
During the climbout, the pilot was unable to maintain elevator control. As a result, the decision was made to return to Charlotte for landing.
Runway Excursion
Upon landing, the aircraft traveled off the departure end of the runway during the landing roll.
Visibility Conditions
The windshields were reported to be covered with ice, which made visual lookout difficult.