What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1998-03-21 involved a Beech A-36, registration N1812A, at New Lebanon, IN.

Pilot Encounters Icing Conditions Before Nighttime Field Impact (N1812A)

On March 21, 1998, a Beech A-36 (registration N1812A) was involved in an aviation accident near New Lebanon, IN. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's flight into known icing conditions. Contributing factors were the degraded aircraft performance, the pilot's inability to maintain the proper descent rate, trees, and the dark night condition. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.

A pilot reported ice accumulation and loss of airspeed before impacting a farm field at night. The aircraft was destroyed by fire after striking trees.

Background

The pilot received a weather briefing indicating an Airmet was in effect for "occasional to moderate rime or mixed icing along the entire route of flight." The briefer also noted a "wrap-around effect on that low pressure" affecting the route.

Flight Events

At 1949, the pilot requested to descend from 4,000 feet to 3,000 feet mean sea level (MSL). Three minutes later, at 1952, the pilot reported that the airplane was accumulating ice and did not think he could shed it. He requested to deviate to Terre Haute. Air traffic control cleared the airplane to descend to 2,500 feet MSL.

At 2001, the pilot reported losing airspeed and requested to land at a closer airport. While on approach, the pilot stated, "Heck, we're all over the place right now...."

Accident Sequence

The airplane impacted a farm field at night, at a shallow angle of descent, with the landing gear down. The wings struck trees, and the airplane was destroyed by fire. Post-accident examination confirmed engine and flight control continuity.

1998-03-21: Beech A-36 (N1812A) — New Lebanon, IN

Background

Flight Events

Accident Sequence

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