FlightFinder
Check my flight
Casualties unknown

Ice Accumulation and Stall During GPS Approach Result in Hard Landing (N300WE)

Johnstown, NY, US

On December 29, 2004, a Piper PA-32RT-300 (registration N300WE) operated by William Reiter was involved in an aviation accident near Johnstown, NY. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's inadequate in-flight planning/decision which resulted in airframe ice with subsequent degradation of aircraft performance, and inadequate airspeed during the landing flare. 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 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

During a GPS approach to runway 28, ice accumulated on the airplane. After breaking out of clouds at 1,600 feet, the pilot had difficulty identifying the snow-covered runway. On short final at 100 knots, he cut power and applied flaps, causing a stall and hard landing.

Event Description

A pilot was performing a GPS approach to runway 28 when ice accumulated on the airplane. He broke out of the clouds at an altitude of 1,600 feet, but had difficulty visually identifying the runway due to snow cover on the ground.

Pilot Report

The pilot reported that he was at an airspeed of 100 knots, using about 65% power, while on short final. As he reached the runway threshold, he "cut the power" and applied the third notch of flaps. The airplane then "stalled" and landed hard on the runway.

Sequence of Events

The approach was conducted under instrument meteorological conditions with icing present. Upon breaking out, visual cues were obscured by snow-covered terrain. The pilot's decision to reduce power and increase flap setting at a low altitude led to a stall just above the runway. The hard landing followed immediately.

The aircraft's configuration and power management during the final approach were critical to the outcome. The pilot's actions, as described, resulted in a loss of lift and a subsequent hard touchdown.

Icing

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 29 Dec 2004 Piper PA-32RT-300 accident near Johnstown, NY?

During a GPS approach to runway 28, ice accumulated on the airplane. After breaking out of clouds at 1,600 feet, the pilot had difficulty identifying the snow-covered runway. On short final at 100 knots, he cut power and applied flaps, causing a stall and hard landing.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 29 Dec 2004 involved a Piper PA-32RT-300, registration N300WE, operated by William Reiter, at Johnstown, NY.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's inadequate in-flight planning/decision which resulted in airframe ice with subsequent degradation of aircraft performance, and inadequate airspeed during the landing flare.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20050128X00118. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.