Accident Details
Probable Cause and Findings
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.
Aircraft Information
Registered Owner (Current)
Analysis
On December 29, 2004, at 1400 eastern standard time, a Piper PA-32RT-300, N300WE, was substantially damaged during landing at the Fulton County Airport (NYO), Johnstown, New York. The certificated private pilot and three passengers were not injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and an instrument flight rules (IFR) flight plan was filed for the flight, which originated at the Chester County Airport (40N), Coatesville, Pennsylvania. The personal flight was conducted under 14 CFR Part 91.
According to the pilot, while performing the GPS approach to runway 28, ice accumulated on the airplane. He broke out of the clouds at an altitude of 1,600 feet; however, he had difficulty visually identifying the runway, due to the snow cover on the ground.
The pilot stated he was at an airspeed of 100 knots (about 65% power) while on short final, and 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.
Examination of the airplane by a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) inspector revealed substantial damage to the wings and empennage section of the airplane.
Data Source
Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# NYC05CA037