CEN13LA198

While on approach, ice accumulated on the wings’ leading edges. The pilot stated that the airplane was flying and handling well but that the air was turbulent during the descent. According to the pilot, when the airplane was about 75 to 100 feet above ground level, he encountered “severe turbulence” and a “downdraft,” which resulted in his inability to control the airplane's descent. Subsequently, the airplane landed hard on the runway. The pilot reported no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation. The sudden loss of control was consistent with inadequate airspeed for the weather conditions and leading edge ice buildup on the wings, which led to an aerodynamic stall.

On March 10, 2013, about 1955 central daylight time, a Piper PA-46-350P airplane, N71DH, made a hard landing at the Rogers Municipal Airport (KROG), Rogers, Arkansas. The airline transport pilot and 3 passengers were not injured. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the wings. The airplane was registered to and operated by a private individual under the provisions of 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 as a personal flight. Instrument meteorological conditions prevailed for the flight, which operated on an instrument flight rules flight plan. The flight originated from Chattanooga, Tennessee at 1800 eastern daylight time and was destined for KROG. In a statement provided by the pilot, he reported about one quarter inch of ice buildup on the wings during the approach. He recalls that the automated weather report at KROG reported the wind from 280 at 12 knots and gusting 22 to 30 knots. He stated that the airplane was flying and handling well, but the air was turbulent during the descent. He broke out of the clouds about 800 feet above the ground and was using the rudder to point the nose of the airplane 20-30 degrees right of the runway heading. He then encountered severe turbulence and a downdraft about 75 to 100 feet above ground level (AGL) so he applied full power to stop the decent. When he realized the decent wasn’t going to stop, he tried to flare the airplane. The airplane landed hard on the runway and sustained substantial damage to the wings. The pilot reported no mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation. At 1957, the aviation routine weather report for KROG reported wind from 290 degrees at 13 knots, gusting at 21 knots, 7 miles visibility, clouds overcast at 600 feet above ground level (AGL), temperature 0 degrees Celsius (C), dew point negative 1 degree C, and a barometric pressure of 29.89 inches of mercury. Pictures of the airplane following the accident revealed ice on the wings and leading edges.