Aircraft accident during instrument approach due to in-flight icing

2 fatalities • Johnstown, United States of America • Landing (descent or approach)

An aircraft experienced a loss of control during an instrument approach following an encounter with in-flight icing, resulting in a runway impact and subsequent stall.

What happened

During the flight, the aircraft encountered icing conditions. In an effort to mitigate the accumulation of ice, the pilot decided to divert to a nearby airport, intending to descend to a lower altitude to shed the ice from the airframe.

While performing an instrument approach, the pilot notified the tower controller regarding the icing situation, noting that the decision to land would depend on whether the ice successfully cleared the aircraft. As the aircraft emerged from the cloud layer, air traffic control personnel observed what appeared to be an initial missed approach maneuver, followed by a sudden descent toward the runway.

Upon observing the flight path, the tower supervisor noted that the landing gear had not been deployed and instructed the pilot to execute a go-around. Despite this instruction, the aircraft continued its descent. The plane struck the runway pavement with the landing gear only partially extended, causing the propellers and the airframe to make contact with the ground. Following the initial impact, the pilot attempted to abort the landing. The aircraft briefly regained flight, climbed to the right, and then entered a stall, leading to a vertical nose-down impact with the ground.

Findings

  • The aircraft was operating under in-flight icing conditions.
  • The landing gear was not fully extended during the approach.
  • The sequence of events concluded with a stall and subsequent impact.

Probable cause

The accumulation of ice during the flight led to an unstable approach and a subsequent loss of control during a landing attempt.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2006-12-26 Cessna 414 Chancellor accident near Johnstown, United States of America?

An aircraft experienced a loss of control during an instrument approach following an encounter with in-flight icing, resulting in a runway impact and subsequent stall.

Were there any fatalities in the 2006-12-26 Cessna 414 Chancellor accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 2 fatalities.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2006-12-26 involved a Cessna 414 Chancellor, registration N400CS, operated by Flight Source, at Johnstown, United States of America.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The accumulation of ice during the flight led to an unstable approach and a subsequent loss of control during a landing attempt.

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