Aircraft stall and ground impact during approach due to icing

Casualties unknown • Massena, NY, US

An aircraft encountered rime ice accumulation during flight, leading to a stall and ground impact short of the runway during an approach.

What happened

The pilot and passenger departed into weather conditions that had forecasted icing. While en route, the Cessna (type not specified in source) encountered icing conditions, resulting in the accumulation of rime ice on the airframe. In response to the icing, the pilot elected to divert to an alternative airport.

While on final approach, the aircraft encountered a wind pocket. During this encounter, the passenger pulled back on the yoke. This action caused the airplane to stall, and it impacted the ground approximately 490 feet prior to the runway. There were no fatalities reported in the provided text.

The investigation

An examination of the aircraft revealed no malfunctions occurring prior to the impact. However, a police investigator at the accident site noted that the wing was slippery with ice. Meteorological data for the area indicated that Zulu weather information had called for occasional moderate rime to mixed icing in clouds and precipitation between the freezing level and 11,000 feet. The freezing level near the accident site was identified as being between the surface and 2,000 feet.

Probable cause

The aircraft encountered icing conditions and a wind pocket, followed by an improper control input from the passenger that resulted in an aerodynamic stall.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2002-11-20 Socata TB-20 accident near Massena, NY?

An aircraft encountered rime ice accumulation during flight, leading to a stall and ground impact short of the runway during an approach.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2002-11-20 involved a Socata TB-20, registration N57TB, at Massena, NY.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The aircraft encountered icing conditions and a wind pocket, followed by an improper control input from the passenger that resulted in an aerodynamic stall.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20021202X05546. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.

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