No fatalities

Pilot Disorientation During Landing After Icing on Beech 65-88 (N6CH)

Spokane, WA, US

On November 22, 1990, a Beech 65-88 (registration N6CH) operated by Darrell C Nelson was involved in an aviation accident near Spokane, WA. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: THE PILOT'S MISJUDGEMENT OF HIS TOUCHDOWN DUE TO DISORIENTATION CAUSED BY HIS LACK OF FORWARD VISIBILITY CREATED BY AN ACCUMULATION OF ICE ON THE WINDSHIELD. 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 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

A Beech 65-88 pilot returned to departure airport due to severe turbulence reports. Ice accumulated on windshield during climbout, leading to disorientation while landing via side window, resulting in a hard landing that displaced both engines.

Incident Overview

The pilot of a Beech 65-88 elected to return to the departure airport after receiving reports of severe turbulence along the planned route. During the climbout from the airport, ice accumulated on the windshield, with the pilot stating that approximately 1/2 to 3/4 of an inch of ice formed on the surface.

Landing Difficulties

While attempting to land, the pilot became disoriented. To compensate for the obscured forward visibility, he relied on looking out of the side window. This limited perspective contributed to spatial confusion during the final approach.

Outcome

The landing was hard, resulting in both engines being displaced downward. The aircraft sustained structural damage from the impact.

Pilot Account

The pilot reported the ice accumulation and the disorientation experienced during the landing attempt. No further details regarding injuries or other damage were provided.

Aircraft Information

The aircraft involved was a Beech 65-88. The specific registration, operator, and other details were not disclosed in the report.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 22 Nov 1990 Beech 65-88 accident near Spokane, WA?

A Beech 65-88 pilot returned to departure airport due to severe turbulence reports. Ice accumulated on windshield during climbout, leading to disorientation while landing via side window, resulting in a hard landing that displaced both engines.

Were there any fatalities in the 22 Nov 1990 Beech 65-88 accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 22 Nov 1990 involved a Beech 65-88, registration N6CH, operated by Darrell C Nelson, at Spokane, WA.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

THE PILOT'S MISJUDGEMENT OF HIS TOUCHDOWN DUE TO DISORIENTATION CAUSED BY HIS LACK OF FORWARD VISIBILITY CREATED BY AN ACCUMULATION OF ICE ON THE WINDSHIELD.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001212X24706. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.