Casualties unknown

Light Airplane Encounters Freezing Rain and Ice on Landing (N108RS)

Mason City, IA, US

On February 27, 1998, a Cessna 402B (registration N108RS) was involved in an aviation accident near Mason City, IA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: the accumulation of airframe ice during flight, and failure of the pilot to attain a proper flare for landing. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 2026-06-10Data APIEditorial standards

A pilot reported encountering freezing rain turning to snow during an ILS approach, with ice accumulation on the airframe. Landing on an ice-covered runway with a tailwind, the left main tire separated, and both right main and nose gear collapsed.

Event Description

During an ILS approach, the pilot reported that the airplane encountered freezing rain that was transitioning to snow as it broke out of the clouds at 600 feet above ground level. The pilot stated that the aircraft had accumulated approximately 3/8 to 1/2 inch of ice on its airframe. The landing was conducted at dusk on an ice-covered runway.

Pilot Observations

The pilot noted that the winds were from a left quartering tailwind at 10 knots. He landed in a slight crab to compensate for the crosswind component. The windshield was covered with ice, except for a clear area measuring about 8 by 11 inches through which the pilot could maintain visibility.

Landing and Aftermath

According to the pilot, the airplane initially touched down on its left main landing gear. As the nose gear and right main landing gear contacted the runway, the left main gear tire rolled off its wheel. Subsequently, both the right main and nose landing gear collapsed. The pilot attributed the gear collapse to the conditions but no official causal statement is provided.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001211X09530. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.