What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2001-02-07 involved a Cessna 310Q, registration N10ET, at Mitchell, SD.

Aircraft Slides into Snowbank During Icing Encounter at Mitchell Municipal Airport (N10ET)

On February 7, 2001, a Cessna 310Q (registration N10ET) was involved in an aviation accident near Mitchell, SD. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot disregarded the aircraft limitation placard, and attempted flight into known adverse weather after receiving a hazardous weather advisory. Factors to the accident were the ice-covered cockpit windshield, the ice-covered runway, and the snowbank. 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 1781061362Data API Editorial standards

An aircraft encountering in-flight icing diverted to Mitchell Municipal Airport, slid into a snowbank on landing, resulting in substantial damage. The pilot reported poor forward visibility due to ice on the windshield.

Incident Overview

During cruise flight, the aircraft encountered icing conditions. The pilot elected to divert to a nearby airport. During the landing attempt, the aircraft slid into a snowbank, causing substantial damage to the aircraft.

Pilot Account

The pilot stated, "Trying to get on top after being cleared to 14,000 msl I decided it was better [to] land. Clearance was given for VOR 12 [instrument] approach at Mitchell S.D. [Mitchell Municipal Airport]. Due to poor forward visibility due to ice on the windshield, I landed on a very icy runway and slid into plowed snow, causing damage [to] the plane."

Weather Briefing

According to records provided from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) records from Huron Automated Flight Service Station, the pilot had received a standard weather briefing prior to the accident flight. According to a transcript of the weather briefing, the Huron-AFSS briefer informed the pilot that there was "moderate rime or mixed icing in clouds and in precipitation below flight level one eight zero for your entire route." At the completion of the standard weather briefing the pilot filed an instrument flight plan for a flight from Sioux Falls to Rapid City.

Aircraft Placard

Postaccident investigation of the airplane revealed a placard located on the instrument panel that stated, "Warning - Not Certified For Flight Into Known Icing Conditions."

Weather

2001-02-07: Cessna 310Q (N10ET) — Mitchell, SD