The pilot reported that, during a night cross-country flight, the Socata TB21 encountered icing conditions while on an instrument approach.
He observed about four inches of ice had formed on the wing, running about one foot aft.
He told investigators he put the landing gear down about five miles from the runway at the airport in Eden Prairie, Minnesota.
He continued the approach, reporting he broke out of the clouds about 300-400 feet AGL and had “minimal control.”
The airplane hit snow-covered ground and came to rest about a half mile from the runway.
The airplane was destroyed by a post-impact fire.
The pilot sustained serious injuries in the crash.
At the time of the accident there was an icing AIRMET that covered the location of the accident site. 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.
NTSB Identification: 106905
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This March 2023 accident report is provided by the National Transportation Safety Board. Published as an educational tool, it is intended to help pilots learn from the misfortunes of others.
