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Aviation safety reports, made easier to study

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NTSB Report

December 21, 2010 · Cessna 340A · N233DS

Madison, WI

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
December 21, 2010
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
Madison, WI
Aircraft
Cessna 340A
Tail Number
N233DS
Operator
Wisconsin Aviation
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
CEN11CA128

According to the pilot, he attempted two landings at the original destination airport; however, due to the weather, the pilot elected to return to the departure airport. While on the instrument approach to the runway, the windshield became covered with ice and the de-ice system could not de-ice the windshield. The pilot then attempted the landing by looking out the left window. At 15 feet above the runway, the pilot noticed the airspeed was approximately 85 knots and the airplane stalled. The pilot added engine power; however, the airplane experienced a hard landing on the runway. Examination of the airplane revealed the forward fuselage was buckled and the de-ice fluid tank was empty. No mechanical anomalies were noted with the airplane. The pilot stated that he did not check the fluid level in the de-ice tank during the preflight inspection.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot's failure to maintain adequate airspeed during the approach, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's failure to check the de-ice fluid level prior to takeoff, which resulted in the failure of the de-ice system to clear the windshield of ice.

Full Narrative

According to the pilot, he attempted two landings at the original destination airport; however, due to the weather conditions, the pilot elected to return to the departure airport. While on the instrument approach to the runway, the windshield became covered with ice and the de-ice system could not de-ice the windshield. The pilot then attempted the landing by looking out the left window. At 15 feet above the runway, the pilot noticed the airspeed was approximately 85 knots and the airplane stalled. The pilot added engine power; however, the airplane experienced a hard landing on the runway. Examination of the airplane revealed the forward fuselage was buckled and the de-ice fluid tank was empty. No mechanical anomalies were noted with the airplane. The pilot stated that he did not check the fluid level in the de-ice tank during the pre-flight inspection.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time12:30 CST
Nearest AirportDane County Regional Airport (0nm)
Runway18
Runway Length9005 ft
Runway Width150 ft
Flight Plan FiledIFR
Flight Plan ActivatedYes
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftCessna 340A
Tail NumberN233DS
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorWisconsin Aviation
Operating RulePart 91
Engines2
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsCont Motor · TSIO-520 SER · Reciprocating · 310 | Cont Motor · TSIO-520 SER · Reciprocating · 300
Seats5

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (1 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total1
Crew 1Age 70 · Second Class · None

Conditions

ConditionsIMC
LightDaylight
Wind170° @ 5 kt
Visibility1 sm
CeilingOvercast 300 ft
Temperature / Dew Point30 C / 28 C
Altimeter29.93 inHg
Observation Time18:53
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data