BFO95LA027

The pilot reported that the airplane was in cruise flight at 9000 feet MSL when the airplane encountered icing conditions, and ice began to accumulate on the wing leading edges. The pilot received clearance to a lower altitude, but the ice continued to accumulate. The pilot stated that when he activated the de-ice boots the right wing de-ice boot did not activate. The pilot elected to divert to the nearest airport 12 nautical miles away. The pilot reported that as the airplane slowed for landing, the asymmetrical ice on the wings resulted in an unstable approach. The airplane impacted the ground, and postimpact fires occurred on both wings. Postaccident examination revealed that the left de-ice boots were capable of normal operation, but fire damage to the right wing precluded functional testing of the right wing de-ice boot.

On January 16, 1995, at 0915 eastern standard time, N7943Q, a Cessna 310Q, operated by Gordon Air Management of North Canton, Ohio, crashed at Clarion County Airport, Clarion, Pennsylvania. The certificated airline transport pilot received minor injuries and the three passengers were seriously injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and an instrument flight rules (IFR) flight plan was filed. The departure point was Akron, Ohio. The destination was Lancaster, Pennsylvania. The flight was conducted under 14 CFR 91.

The pilot reported that the airplane was in cruise flight at 9000 feet Mean Sea Level (MSL) when the airplane encountered icing conditions. He stated that light ice started to accumulate on the leading edges of the airplane. The pilot reported that he requested a lower altitude, and descended to 7,000 feet MSL, but the ice continued to accumulate. The pilot stated that when he activated the de-ice boots the right wing boot did not activate. He stated that he received clearance to a lower altitude, but the ice build up on the right wing made it difficult to maintain control. A forced landing was made at the closest airport 12 miles away. During the forced landing the right wing tip struck the runway and small fires erupted in both wings.

One of the passengers on the airplane reported to the State Police that a considerable amount of ice had built up on the airplane, and that the airplane became very unstable. The FAA Aviation Safety Inspector examined the airplane after the accident and reported that the airplane had sustained fire damage to both wings. The left de-icing boot was tested and functioned with no anomalies noted, but due to the fire damage to the right wing the de-ice boot for the right wing could not be tested.