On April 17, 1995, a Cessna 172L (registration N7011Q) was involved in an aviation accident near Wheatland, WY. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: THE PILOT'S CONTINUED FLIGHT INTO KNOWN ADVERSE WEATHER CONDITIONS. A FACTOR IN THE ACCIDENT WAS THE AIRFRAME ICING ENCOUNTERED DURING THE FLIGHT. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A pilot and passenger were rescued after their airplane encountered airframe icing, lost altitude, and collided with terrain in zero visibility. The ELT facilitated their rescue the next morning.
Encounter with Icing
The pilot had been advised of forecast occasional moderate rime icing in clouds and precipitation from the freezing level to 12,000 feet. While en route to his destination, the pilot encountered airframe icing conditions. As ice accumulated on the airframe, the pilot was unable to maintain level flight.
Loss of Radio Contact and Descent
Air traffic control vectored the pilot toward Wheatland Airport before radio contact was lost. The airplane continued descending until it collided with terrain in zero visibility and nosed over.
Rescue
The emergency locator transmitter (ELT) functioned after the accident. The pilot and his passenger were rescued the following morning.
What happened in the 17 Apr 1995 Cessna 172L accident near Wheatland, WY?
A pilot and passenger were rescued after their airplane encountered airframe icing, lost altitude, and collided with terrain in zero visibility. The ELT facilitated their rescue the next morning.
Were there any fatalities in the 17 Apr 1995 Cessna 172L accident?
No fatalities were recorded in this accident.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 17 Apr 1995 involved a Cessna 172L, registration N7011Q, at Wheatland, WY.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
THE PILOT'S CONTINUED FLIGHT INTO KNOWN ADVERSE WEATHER CONDITIONS. A FACTOR IN THE ACCIDENT WAS THE AIRFRAME ICING ENCOUNTERED DURING THE FLIGHT.
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