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Ice Accumulation Found on Wings After Takeoff Accident (N9604H)

Mansfield, MA, US

On December 28, 1997, a Cessna 172 (registration N9604H) was involved in an aviation accident near Mansfield, MA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to remove snow and ice from the aircraft prior to takeoff resulting in degraded climb performance and a subsequent stall/mush condition. 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 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

An airplane was observed to take off, climb to 300 feet, then turn left nose-down and collide with a pole and terrain. Post-crash examination revealed ice accumulation on wings and other surfaces.

Accident Sequence

The airplane was observed to take off from runway 32 and climb to about 300 feet above the ground. It was then observed to turn to the left, in a nose-down attitude, and disappear behind trees. Subsequently, it collided with a pole and terrain, coming to rest upright in a cleared area.

Wreckage Examination

Examination of the wreckage revealed an approximate half-inch coating of ice covering the top of the wings. Both horizontal stabilizers exhibited thin patchy areas of ice along their entire surfaces. Thin patches of ice were also found on the fuselage center section and the leading edge of the right wing strut. Post-crash examination of the aircraft revealed no evidence of pre-impact mechanical malfunction.

Weather Conditions

Precipitation at the airport between 1445 and 2045 on the day before the accident was reported as mist, light rain, light rain and snow showers, and ending with light snow. The night before, and the day of the accident, the temperatures were below freezing.

Related events

Same aircraft family

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Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 28 Dec 1997 Cessna 172 accident near Mansfield, MA?

An airplane was observed to take off, climb to 300 feet, then turn left nose-down and collide with a pole and terrain. Post-crash examination revealed ice accumulation on wings and other surfaces.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 28 Dec 1997 involved a Cessna 172, registration N9604H, at Mansfield, MA.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's failure to remove snow and ice from the aircraft prior to takeoff resulting in degraded climb performance and a subsequent stall/mush condition.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001208X09373. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.