Aircraft Departs Runway After Landing on Icy Surface with Limited Visibility

Casualties unknown • Worcester, MA, US

An aircraft departed the runway after landing on an icy, sanded surface with poor braking action. The pilot reported late activation of anti-icing systems and significant windshield icing that severely limited visibility during descent.

What happened

According to the pilot, the flight proceeded normally until the approach phase. During descent, both the pilot and the co-pilot were late in applying all of the aircraft's anti-icing devices. As a result, the aircraft's windshield iced over, limiting visibility to only a small amount.

Upon touchdown, the reversers were deployed. The pilot had received information prior to landing that braking action was poor and that the runway was icy, although it had been sanded. The pilot landed on the left side of the runway centerline. Shortly after touchdown, the aircraft began to drift further to the left. The left main gear left the runway, causing the aircraft to be pulled off the pavement. The aircraft departed the runway entirely and came to rest approximately 3000 feet from the touchdown point.

Findings

Contributing factors included the late application of anti-icing systems, windshield icing that limited visibility, poor braking action on an icy and sanded runway, and landing left of centerline which led to loss of directional control.

Probable cause

The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during the landing roll due to poor braking action on an icy runway and limited visibility caused by windshield icing.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1985-11-27 Israel Aircraft Industries WW-24 accident near Worcester, MA?

An aircraft departed the runway after landing on an icy, sanded surface with poor braking action. The pilot reported late activation of anti-icing systems and significant windshield icing that severely limited visibility during descent.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1985-11-27 involved a Israel Aircraft Industries WW-24, registration N4WG, at Worcester, MA.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during the landing roll due to poor braking action on an icy runway and limited visibility caused by windshield icing.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001214X38315. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.

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