N789TB accident

NTSB CEN23LA138 · 2023-03-12 · Eden Prairie, MN · near FCM

Docket — crew, injuries and powerplant

Factual narrative

The pilot reported that, during a night cross country flight, the airplane encountered icing conditions while on an instrument approach. The pilot observed about 4 inches of ice had formed on the wing, running about one foot aft. The pilot reported he put the landing gear down about 5 miles from the runway. The pilot continued the approach and stated he broke out of the clouds about 300-400 ft agl and had “minimal control.” The airplane impacted snow-covered ground and came to rest about a half mile from the runway. The airplane was destroyed by a post-impact fire. In an email, the pilot stated the “airplane was in good shape.” At the time of the accident there was an icing AIRMET that covered the location of the accident. The Socata TB21 Pilot Information Manual states “Flight into known icing conditions is prohibited.”

Probable cause

The pilot’s continued flight into icing conditions in an airplane that was not equipped for icing, which led to structural icing, subsequent loss of airplane control and impact with terrain. The National Transportation Safety Board determined the probable cause of this accident.

Circumstances

Event type

Accident

Highest injury

Serious

Weather conditions

Instrument Meteorological Cond

Light condition

Night

Sky condition

OVC

Ceiling (ft)

500

Visibility (sm)

3

Wind direction

150

Wind speed (kt)

8

Temperature (F)

28

Nearest airport

FLYING CLOUD

Distance from field

2.0

Airport elevation

906

Aircraft

Sequence of events

Findings