On February 21, 1997, a Maule M-5-180 (registration N5652W) was involved in an aviation accident near Jordan Valley, OR. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: failure of the pilot to maintain directional control of the aircraft, while landing. Factors relating to the accident included: the pilot's improper inflight decision to attempt a descent through what appeared to be a hole in the clouds, his inadvertent… This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A pilot flying VFR over an overcast descended through a cloud hole, encountered icing, and later landed long and fast, losing directional control and exiting the runway into sagebrush.
Flight Descent and Icing
During a VFR flight above an overcast cloud layer, the pilot observed a hole in the clouds and decided to descend through it. As the aircraft descended, it entered instrument meteorological conditions (IMC) and began accumulating ice. Approximately two minutes after entering IMC, the aircraft broke out of the clouds with about one-half inch of clear ice on its exterior.
Landing and Runway Excursion
Due to the ice accumulation altering the aircraft's flight characteristics, the pilot opted to land at the nearest airport. Because of the ice buildup, the pilot chose to fly the final approach faster than normal. The aircraft ultimately touched down long and fast. During the landing roll, while attempting to slow the aircraft, the pilot failed to maintain directional control. Consequently, the aircraft exited the runway and rolled through tall sagebrush.