Incident Overview
A general aviation flight encountered icing conditions during approach to Guthrie, Oklahoma, culminating in a stall just above the runway. Substantial damage occurred when the airplane stalled during the landing flare.
Weather and Icing Conditions
Weather briefings prior to the flight included low ceilings and the possibility of icing up to 15,000 feet MSL. En route pilot reports indicated moderate rime icing from 10,000 feet MSL down to 6,000 feet MSL. The flight was cruising at 4,000 feet MSL, with the pilot monitoring the outside air temperature (OAT) at plus 5 degrees Celsius.
Sequence of Events
Approximately 50 miles northeast of Oklahoma City, the flight encountered moderate turbulence and icing conditions as the OAT dropped to 0 degrees Celsius. Traces of ice were detected on the windshield and wings. The pilot requested and was cleared to descend to 3,000 feet MSL for the ADF Runway 19 approach to Guthrie, Oklahoma.
Ice continued to form on the airplane at a rate that made handling difficult. The pilot maintained airspeed in excess of 120 knots. During the landing flare, the airplane stalled 10 feet above the runway, resulting in substantial damage.
Post-Accident Findings
Following the accident, rime ice was found on the wings, vertical stabilizer, and horizontal stabilizer. The airplane was not equipped with deice equipment and was not approved for flight into icing conditions.