Landing gear collapse during ILS approach in freezing rain

Casualties unknown • Mason City, IA, US

A pilot experienced landing gear collapse and a tire separation while performing an ILS approach in icing conditions and a quartering tailwind.

What happened

During an ILS approach, the aircraft encountered freezing rain that transitioned into snow. As the aircraft broke through the cloud base at 600 feet above ground level, the pilot noted that approximately 3/8 to 1/2-inch of ice had accumulated on the airframe. The windshield was heavily obscured by ice, leaving only a clear viewing area of roughly 8 inches by 11 inches.

The landing took place at dusk with a 10-knot left quartering tailwind. The pilot touched down on an ice-covered runway in a slight crab. Upon contact with the runway, the left main landing gear tire rolled off its wheel. As the nose gear and the right main landing gear made contact with the surface, both the nose gear and the right main gear collapsed.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1998-02-27 Cessna 402B accident near Mason City, IA?

A pilot experienced landing gear collapse and a tire separation while performing an ILS approach in icing conditions and a quartering tailwind.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1998-02-27 involved a Cessna 402B, registration N108RS, at Mason City, IA.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

the accumulation of airframe ice during flight, and failure of the pilot to attain a proper flare for landing. Factors relating to the accident were: the adverse weather (icing) condition; and the pilot's limited forward visibility, due to ice on the windshield and the light condition at dusk.

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.

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