Aircraft stall during final approach due to ice accumulation

Casualties unknown • Pasco, WA, US

An aircraft experienced an unexpected stall while on final approach after encountering moderate to severe mixed ice during descent.

What happened

During the flight, the pilot reported that the airframe began accumulating moderate to severe mixed ice after descending to a lower altitude. In response, the pilot activated the de-icing boots and turned on the windshield heat. After climbing back to a higher altitude, most of the ice cleared, and the pilot was cleared for an ILS approach.

The aircraft broke out of the clouds approximately 400 feet and 1/4 mile from the runway. As the aircraft was positioned over the runway numbers, roughly ten feet above the surface, it experienced an unexpected stall. Although the pilot applied full power, the right main landing gear made a hard touchdown, and the right wing tip contacted the runway surface. The pilot successfully completed the landing and taxied the aircraft to a hangar.

Findings

Upon exiting the aircraft, the pilot observed that much of the airframe remained covered in moderate to severe ice. This accumulation included the leading edges of the vertical and horizontal stabilizers as well as the propeller spinner.

Probable cause

The unexpected stall occurred while the aircraft was over the runway following an encounter with moderate to severe mixed ice.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2002-12-01 Piper PA-46-350P accident near Pasco, WA?

An aircraft experienced an unexpected stall while on final approach after encountering moderate to severe mixed ice during descent.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2002-12-01 involved a Piper PA-46-350P, registration N9260P, at Pasco, WA.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The unexpected stall occurred while the aircraft was over the runway following an encounter with moderate to severe mixed ice.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20030106X00022. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.

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