Aircraft nose-over after runway excursion due to windshield icing

Casualties unknown • Russells Point, OH, US

A pilot diverted to a home airstrip after encountering freezing mist, resulting in a loss of visibility and a subsequent runway excursion and nose-over.

What happened

While en route during the cruise phase of flight, the pilot encountered freezing mist. In response to these conditions, the pilot elected to divert the aircraft to his home airstrip.

During the approach to the airfield, the windshield iced over. Immediately after touchdown, the pilot experienced a total loss of forward visibility. To avoid trees located on the left side of the runway, the pilot chose to maintain the aircraft's position toward the right side of the airstrip during the rollout. Consequently, the airplane ran off the right side of the runway and into a muddy field, resulting in a nose-over.

Findings

The investigation determined that the pilot did not report obtaining any weather briefings prior to the flight, and no records were found indicating that any weather briefings had been obtained. Additionally, a weather reporting station located approximately 37 miles from the airport had reported light freezing rain and fog roughly 25 minutes before the aircraft's departure.

Probable cause

The pilot's failure to obtain a weather briefing prior to flight, combined with the accumulation of ice on the windshield during approach, led to a loss of forward visibility and a subsequent runway excursion.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1989-01-14 Cessna 180 accident near Russells Point, OH?

A pilot diverted to a home airstrip after encountering freezing mist, resulting in a loss of visibility and a subsequent runway excursion and nose-over.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1989-01-14 involved a Cessna 180, registration N4585B, operated by Geiger, Richard G., at Russells Point, OH.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's failure to obtain a weather briefing prior to flight, combined with the accumulation of ice on the windshield during approach, led to a loss of forward visibility and a subsequent runway excursion.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001213X27536. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.

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