Casualties unknown

Hard Landing After Ice Contamination During Approach (N342PX)

Hibbing, MN, US

On January 3, 1993, a Saab-scania AB (saab) 340A (registration N342PX) operated by Express I was involved in an aviation accident near Hibbing, MN. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: THE FIRST OFFICER'S FAILURE TO MAINTAIN A PROPER DESCENT RATE DURING THE LANDING, AND THE CAPTAIN'S INADEQUATE SUPERVISION BY NOT TAKING TIMELY ACTION TO ENSURE A SAFE LANDING. 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 2026-06-10Data APIEditorial standards

During approach, the crew discussed de-icing but landed with ice still on wings. The hard landing resulted in landing gear failure, fuel leakage, and wing damage. Ice was observed post-accident.

Approach and Landing

During the approach, the first officer (FO) asked the captain if he wanted to activate the wing de-icing system. The captain responded that the aircraft was going to the hangar and that he would run the de-icing boots on the ground. The FO then reduced power over the runway threshold, causing the sink rate to increase. The captain observed a sink rate of 900 feet per minute. The FO applied additional back pressure on the control yoke, but it was insufficient to stop the descent. Further back pressure was applied, and the stall warning horn sounded. Shortly thereafter, the captain announced, "I got it."

Hard Landing and Damage

The aircraft made a hard landing. The right main landing gear broke as a result. The fuel tank ruptured, and the right wing rear spar was bent upward. No other details about injuries or evacuation were provided.

Post-Accident Inspection

Approximately 18 hours after the accident, a layer of mixed rime and clear ice measuring 3/16 inch thick was observed on the leading edges of the wing, horizontal stabilizer, and vertical stabilizer. The ice had finger-like protrusions oriented vertically to the wing surfaces.

Operator Procedures and Training

The company's line operations manual does not include information on flight characteristics or landing techniques specific to wing ice. Additionally, neither pilot had received the company's current crew resource management (CRM) training.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001211X11684. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.