1994-03-13: Piper PA-32RT-300 — Harbor Springs, MI

Casualties unknown • Harbor Springs, MI, US

Probable cause

THE PILOT'S IMPROPER DECISION TO CONTINUE FLIGHT INTO ICING CONDITIONS AFTER THE CONDITIONS WERE FIRST ENCOUNTERED. A FACTOR RELATED TO THE ACCIDENT WAS THE TREES CONTACTED DURING THE LANDING ROLL.

— NTSB Determination

Accident narrative

THE PILOT RECEIVED A WEATHER BRIEFING BEFORE THE FLIGHT DURING WHICH A POSSIBLE CHANCE OF A LITTLE BIT OF ICING AT 6000 FEET WAS MENTIONED. DURING THE FLIGHT AT ALTITUDES OF 4,000 FEET AND BELOW, THE AIRCRAFT PICKED UP HEAVY ICING. THE PILOT WAS UNABLE TO LOCATE THE AIRPORT DURING THE VOR APPROACH SO HE MADE A TURN BACK TOWARD THE AIRPORT IN AN ATTEMPT TO GAIN VISUAL CONTACT. THE PILOT REPORTED THAT DUE TO THE AMOUNT OF ICE ON THE AIRPLANE, HE WAS UNABLE TO MAINTAIN ALTITUDE WITH FULL POWER. AN OFF AIRPORT LANDING WAS MADE DURING WHICH THE AIRPLANE CONTACTED TREES.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1994-03-13 Piper PA-32RT-300 accident near Harbor Springs, MI?

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1994-03-13 involved a Piper PA-32RT-300, registration N83JF, at Harbor Springs, MI.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

THE PILOT'S IMPROPER DECISION TO CONTINUE FLIGHT INTO ICING CONDITIONS AFTER THE CONDITIONS WERE FIRST ENCOUNTERED. A FACTOR RELATED TO THE ACCIDENT WAS THE TREES CONTACTED DURING THE LANDING ROLL.

Loading the flight search…