What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1993-10-31 involved a Mooney M20K, registration N252G, at Blue Ash, OH.

Airplane Spins into Building After Circling Maneuver in Icing Conditions (N252G)

On October 31, 1993, a Mooney M20K (registration N252G) was involved in an aviation accident near Blue Ash, OH. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's inadequate inflight decision to conduct flight into known icing conditions and his failure to maintain adequate airspeed which resulted in an inadvertent stall. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.

The pilot of an airplane conducting an instrument approach circled for runway 24, entered a left spin, struck a building, and burned. No mechanical failure was found; the aircraft was not certificated for known icing, which was present.

Incident Overview

During an instrument approach to runway 24, the pilot flew over the airport and announced on UNICOM that he would circle for runway 24. Witnesses observed the airplane in a left turn; the nose dropped and the airplane entered a left spin. It impacted the roof of a building, fell to the ground floor, and burned.

Post-Accident Examination

A post-accident investigation did not reveal any failure or malfunction of the engine or airframe.

Weather and Flight Planning

Prior to departure, the pilot received a weather briefing and was advised not to make the flight due to forecast icing conditions. The pilot subsequently flew for over two hours at altitudes where temperatures were below freezing, then descended into an area of known icing conditions and falling snow.

Aircraft Certification

The airplane was not certificated for flight into known icing conditions.

1993-10-31: Mooney M20K (N252G) — Blue Ash, OH