Casualties unknown

Engine Fire and Icing Precede Runway Excursion During Single-Engine Approach (N80GP)

Wheeling, WV, US

On November 14, 1997, a Beech 65-A90 (registration N80GP) operated by Skyward Aviation was involved in an aviation accident near Wheeling, WV. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: the failure of the pilot to maintain the minimum required airspeed while operating in icing conditions which resulted in ice accumulations and an inadvertent stall while on approach. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 1 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 2026-06-10Data APIEditorial standards
Aircraft registered N80GP
Aircraft registered N80GP. Photo: redlegsfan21 from Vandalia, OH, United States / CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Pilots experienced an engine fire during a missed approach in night IMC, feathered the propeller, and shut down the engine. On approach to another airport, the aircraft touched down short and departed the left side of the runway. Examination showed both engines and propellers had rotational damage and neither propeller was feathered. The pilot flew below the recommended minimum icing speed.

Incident Overview

During a missed approach in night instrument meteorological conditions (IMC), the pilots reported an engine fire. They feathered the propeller and shut down the affected engine. Subsequently, while on approach to another airport, the airplane touched down short of the runway, traveled onto the runway, and then departed the left side of the runway.

The pilot reported that he could not maintain altitude due to ice accumulations and the lack of power with one engine shut down. He had been briefed about known moderate icing conditions and isolated severe icing. The Airplane Flight Manual (AFM) recommended a minimum speed of 140 knots in icing conditions; at speeds below 140 knots, ice could accumulate on the wings in unprotected areas. The pilot stated that he flew the approach at 114 knots.

Examination Findings

Post-accident examination of the wreckage revealed rotational damage to both engines and propellers, consistent with operating engines. Neither propeller was found in the feathered position.

Conclusion

The source does not provide a probable cause statement.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001208X09235. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.