On March 4, 1994, a Cessna 340 (registration N512SK) operated by James Flying Service Inc was involved in an aviation accident near Westhampton, NY. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's inadequate inflight decision which resulted in ice accretion on the aircraft, degradation of aircraft performance, an aerodynamic stall, loss of control and inflight collision with the ground. Factors were icing conditions. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
An airplane cleared for an ILS approach to runway 24 with a circle to land on runway 06 broke off the approach. Witnesses observed it at low altitude on left downwind, flying in and out of clouds. During base leg, the left wing struck the ground. Ice was found on wings and empennage; no mechanical malfunction was found.
Accident Sequence
The airplane was cleared by air traffic control for an ILS approach to runway 24, with instructions to circle to land on runway 06. The crew discontinued the approach to runway 24. A witness observed the aircraft at low altitude on a left downwind leg for runway 06, flying in and out of clouds. On the base leg, the airplane turned left, and a witness saw the left wing make contact with the ground.
Witness and Pilot Observations
One witness reported that before the crash, the engine sounded as if it were at full rpm. Several pilots from the Air National Guard (ANG) at the airport arrived at the crash site minutes after the accident. They observed ice on the airplane's wings and empennage. One ANG pilot described the ice as approximately 1/8 inch thick on the left and right wing surfaces and the rear empennage sections. Another ANG pilot described the weather at the time of the accident as visibility less than one mile with freezing rain and sleet.
Examination Results
Examination of the airplane did not disclose evidence of mechanical malfunction.
What happened in the 4 Mar 1994 Cessna 340 accident near Westhampton, NY?
An airplane cleared for an ILS approach to runway 24 with a circle to land on runway 06 broke off the approach. Witnesses observed it at low altitude on left downwind, flying in and out of clouds. During base leg, the left wing struck the ground. Ice was found on wings and empennage; no mechanical malfunction was…
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 4 Mar 1994 involved a Cessna 340, registration N512SK, operated by James Flying Service Inc, at Westhampton, NY.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
The pilot's inadequate inflight decision which resulted in ice accretion on the aircraft, degradation of aircraft performance, an aerodynamic stall, loss of control and inflight collision with the ground. Factors were icing conditions.
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