Stall and recovery during approach at Central Wisconsin Airport

Casualties unknown • Mosinee, WI, US

An aircraft experienced a stall and significant rolling during a procedure turn at Central Wisconsin Airport due to unperceived ice accretion.

What happened

During an approach at the Central Wisconsin Airport, the crew executed a missed approach on their first attempt and subsequently began a complete procedure turn for the ILS. Both the initial and second approaches were conducted at 3000 feet MSL within IMC conditions characterized by moderate to heavy rain.

A temperature inversion between 5000 feet and 3000 feet MSL created conditions suitable for moderate to severe clear icing. The aircraft remained in these conditions for 11.8 minutes. While flying the procedure turn with the autopilot engaged, the captain reduced power to decrease airspeed in preparation for gear extension.

At a speed of 157 knots in a clean configuration, the aircraft entered a stall, resulting in a roll of 80 degrees to the left and 60 degrees to the right. The crew responded by applying full power and performing stall recovery procedures. The aircraft was recovered following an altitude loss of 600 feet. The third approach was completed without further incident.

Findings

The crew did not perceive any ice accretion on the airframe during the flight. Additionally, the airframe deice system was not activated until after the stall had occurred.

Probable cause

The aircraft stalled due to a reduction in power while flying in icing conditions that the crew did not recognize, as the airframe deice system had not been engaged.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1988-12-22 Aerospatiale ATR-42 accident near Mosinee, WI?

An aircraft experienced a stall and significant rolling during a procedure turn at Central Wisconsin Airport due to unperceived ice accretion.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1988-12-22 involved a Aerospatiale ATR-42, registration N427MQ, operated by Simmons Airlines, at Mosinee, WI.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The aircraft stalled due to a reduction in power while flying in icing conditions that the crew did not recognize, as the airframe deice system had not been engaged.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001213X27394. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.

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