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NTSB Reports is an independent research and search tool for public aviation accident and incident records. It brings NTSB aviation reports, structured fields, docket files, extracted figures, photos, videos, and update history into one searchable interface.

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April 18, 1985 · Cessna T210N · N2497U

White Mountain, AZ

Overview

Report Status
Preliminary report
Event Type
Accident
Date
April 18, 1985
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
White Mountain, AZ
Aircraft
Cessna T210N
Tail Number
N2497U
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
LAX85LA211

WHILE CRUISING AT 12,000 FT MSL, THE ACFT BEGAN PICKING UP ICE. THE PLT CONTINUED FLYING TOWARD HIS INTENDED DESTINATION & CLIMBED TO 14,000 FT MSL. THE ACFT'S WINDSHIELD COMPLETELY ICED OVER. THE PLT LOST CONTROL OF THE ACFT & IT WENT INTO AN UNCONTROLLED DESCENT DURING WHICH TIME TWO PENCILS CAME OUT OF THE PLT'S POCKET & REPORTEDLY 'FLEW UP TO THE WINDSHIELD.' THE ACFT'S AIRSPEED EXCEEDED REDLINE DURING THE DESCENT. THE PLT REGAINED CONTROL AT ABOUT 7500 FT MSL WHEN THE ACFT DESCENDED THROUGH THE CLOUD BASE. THE PLT LANDED WITHOUT FURTHER MISHAP AT A NEARBY ARPT. EXAM OF THE ACFT REVEALED THAT ITS RUDDER WAS PARTIALLY RIPPED FROM ITS HINGE & THE VERTICAL STABILIZER WAS TWISTED.

Full Narrative

WHILE CRUISING AT 12,000 FT MSL, THE ACFT BEGAN PICKING UP ICE. THE PLT CONTINUED FLYING TOWARD HIS INTENDED DESTINATION & CLIMBED TO 14,000 FT MSL. THE ACFT'S WINDSHIELD COMPLETELY ICED OVER. THE PLT LOST CONTROL OF THE ACFT & IT WENT INTO AN UNCONTROLLED DESCENT DURING WHICH TIME TWO PENCILS CAME OUT OF THE PLT'S POCKET & REPORTEDLY 'FLEW UP TO THE WINDSHIELD.' THE ACFT'S AIRSPEED EXCEEDED REDLINE DURING THE DESCENT. THE PLT REGAINED CONTROL AT ABOUT 7500 FT MSL WHEN THE ACFT DESCENDED THROUGH THE CLOUD BASE. THE PLT LANDED WITHOUT FURTHER MISHAP AT A NEARBY ARPT. EXAM OF THE ACFT REVEALED THAT ITS RUDDER WAS PARTIALLY RIPPED FROM ITS HINGE & THE VERTICAL STABILIZER WAS TWISTED.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time11:17 MST
Nearest Airport0nm N
Runway0
Flight Plan FiledIFR
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftCessna T210N
Tail NumberN2497U
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsContinental · TSIO-520 · Reciprocating · 310
Seats6

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (1 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total1
Crew 1Age 56 · Third Class

Conditions

ConditionsIMC
LightDaylight
Wind270° @ 20 kt, gusting 30 kt
CeilingOvercast 1000 ft
Temperature / Dew Point32 C / 0 C
Altimeter29.00 inHg
Observation Time12:15
Weather SourcePILO

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Appendix: Source Data