Casualties unknown

Structural Ice Accumulation During NDB Approach Leads to Forced Landing Short of Runway (N9448B)

Ardmore, OK, US

On March 2, 1995, a Cessna 208B (registration N9448B) operated by Martinaire Inc. was involved in an aviation accident near Ardmore, OK. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: THE PILOT'S CONTINUED FLIGHT INTO ADVERSE WEATHER CONDITIONS. FACTORS WERE THE ICING CONDITIONS PREVAILING AT THE DESTINATION AIRPORT, AND THE PILOT'S INABILITY TO MAINTAIN VISUAL LOOKOUT DUE TO WINDSHIELD ICING. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 8 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 1781061362Data APIEditorial standards

During an NDB approach, rapid structural ice accumulation reduced visibility and climb capability. The pilot executed a forced landing in an open field after breaking out of clouds, impacting the ground in a nose-down attitude.

Incident Details

An airplane experienced structural ice accumulation at a rapid rate while the pilot was executing a procedure turn during an NDB approach to the destination airport. The pilot applied maximum available power but could not arrest the rate of descent. The pilot maintained 110 knots during the approach.

After breaking out into visual conditions, the pilot elected to perform a forced landing in an open field located 2 miles short of the destination airport. During the landing, the pilot was unable to arrest the descent, and the airplane impacted the ground in a 5-degree nose-down attitude.

Pilot Actions and Conditions

The pilot stated that forward visibility was completely obscured by the accumulation of clear ice on the windshield. The airport manager informed the pilot that freezing drizzle was present at the airport when the pilot called the UNICOM during the initial portion of the instrument approach.

No other details about the aircraft, occupants, or injuries were provided in the source.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001207X03107. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.