Casualties unknown

Aircraft Makes Precautionary Landing After Accumulating Ice, Hits Trees and Tractor Scoop (N9198D)

Mcgrath, MN, US

On December 14, 1986, a Piper PA-22-150 (registration N9198D) was involved in an aviation accident near Mcgrath, MN. 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

An aircraft accumulated clear ice during descent, leading to a precautionary landing. The left wing struck apple trees, causing the aircraft to become airborne again before contacting a tractor scoop and sliding to a stop near a farm building.

Incident Overview

An aircraft experienced an event involving ice accumulation and a precautionary landing. The pilot had received a complete Flight Service Station (FSS) weather briefing prior to departing Grand Forks, North Dakota. During the flight, the aircraft descended to maintain visual flight rules (VFR) and accumulated clear ice on both the structure and windscreen.

Sequence of Events

After the ice accumulation, the pilot decided to make a precautionary landing. The landing was attempted in an open area. During the initial touchdown, the left wing struck two apple trees. This impact caused the aircraft to become airborne again. Following a second touchdown, the aircraft contacted a tractor scoop. The aircraft then slid to a stop within inches of a farm building.

Preflight Preparation

The pilot obtained a complete weather briefing from the FSS before the flight. The briefing presumably included information relevant to the flight conditions en route and at the destination.

No further details regarding the aircraft type, registration, injuries, or damage are available from the source.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001213X35330. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.