On March 27, 1992, a Mooney M20M (registration N9136J) operated by Cephas W. Jackson, Jr., MD was involved in an aviation accident near Youngs Bottom, WV. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: THE PILOT'S INADEQUATE INFLIGHT DECISION TO CONTINUE FLIGHT IN ICING CONDITION WHICH RESULTED IN DEGRADED AIRCRAFT PERFORMANCE, INADEQUATE AIRSPEED, AND AERODYNAMIC STALL. A RELATED FACTOR IS THE PILOT'S INADEQUATE EVALUATION OF THE WEATHER. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A pilot being vectored for an ILS approach descended from 9000 to 3000 ft MSL. After being instructed to climb due to being off course and below altitude, the controller lost contact. Witnesses saw the airplane descend with wings rocking and reported icing conditions.
Approach and Communication
The pilot was being vectored and sequenced for an Instrument Landing System (ILS) approach. The aircraft was descended from 9000 to 3000 feet mean sea level (MSL). Handling was provided by Charleston (CRW) Approach Control for approximately 20 minutes.
Weather Reports
Several pilots in radio contact with CRW reported airframe icing conditions in the area. The pilot of the incident aircraft did not report whether or not he was encountering icing. Witnesses on the ground reported the weather as a low overcast with freezing rain.
Incident Sequence
Shortly after the pilot was vectored onto the approach course, the air traffic controller reported that the aircraft was 2 miles south of the course and 300 feet below the assigned altitude. The controller instructed the pilot to climb. The pilot acknowledged the instruction, and shortly afterwards the controller lost radio and radar contact with the pilot.
Witness Observations
Witnesses saw the airplane descend and indicated that the wings were 'rocking.' Witnesses reported 'chunks of ice' around the wreckage, and one witness stated there was ice along the entire length of the left wing leading edge. The airplane struck the ground in a residential area.