No fatalities

Hard Landing During Go-Around After Windshield Becomes Obscured (N69437)

Ashland, WI, US

On February 28, 1992, a Cessna 340 (registration N69437) operated by Metro Plains Development CO was involved in an aviation accident near Ashland, WI. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: THE PILOT DELAYED INITIATING A GO-AROUND. FACTORS WERE ICING CONDITIONS AND INADEQUATE WINDSHIELD ANTI-ICE WHICH RESULTED IN RESTRICTED VISUAL LOOKOUT. 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

During final approach, the pilot's windshield became obscured, restricting forward visibility. Advancing power for a go-around, the airplane settled hard onto the runway, collapsing the landing gear.

Incident Overview

According to the pilot's account, while on final approach at an altitude between 200 and 300 feet above ground level (AGL), the windshield became obscured, severely restricting forward visibility. In response, the pilot advanced the throttle to initiate a go-around. However, the airplane did not climb and instead settled hard onto the runway surface.

Landing Sequence

The hard touchdown caused the landing gear to collapse. The airplane slid along the runway before coming to rest approximately 210 feet from the point of initial impact.

Environmental and Equipment Factors

The pilot reported encountering light freezing rain during the approach. Additionally, the windshield heating system on the pilot's side was not functioning properly at the time of the incident.

Aircraft Damage

As a result of the hard landing and gear collapse, the aircraft sustained substantial damage. The exact extent of damage to other components is not specified.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 28 Feb 1992 Cessna 340 accident near Ashland, WI?

During final approach, the pilot's windshield became obscured, restricting forward visibility. Advancing power for a go-around, the airplane settled hard onto the runway, collapsing the landing gear.

Were there any fatalities in the 28 Feb 1992 Cessna 340 accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 28 Feb 1992 involved a Cessna 340, registration N69437, operated by Metro Plains Development CO, at Ashland, WI.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

THE PILOT DELAYED INITIATING A GO-AROUND. FACTORS WERE ICING CONDITIONS AND INADEQUATE WINDSHIELD ANTI-ICE WHICH RESULTED IN RESTRICTED VISUAL LOOKOUT.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001211X14093. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.