# NTSB CEN16LA093: Socata TBM700, N602MA, Wichita, KS, January 19, 2016 - Type: NTSB accident investigation - Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report - Date: January 19, 2016, 12:31 local (18:31 UTC) - Place: Wichita, KS - Coordinates: 37.757778, -97.219444 (estimated) - Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=37.7578&lon=-97.2194&mi=10 - Phase of flight: [Approach](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/500) (OpenAirDocs' grouping) - Defining event: [Approach-IFR final approach: Loss of control in flight](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/240) - Highest injury: No injuries - Injuries: 2 uninjured - Status: Completed, report October 3, 2016 - Report: Approved by Office Director - NTSB office: Central Region - Parties: Transportation Safety Board of Canada, Bureau of Enquiry and Analysis of France, Federal Aviation Administration - NTSB case key (mKey): 92630 - NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=CEN16LA093 - NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/92630/pdf - NTSB docket: https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket?ProjectID=92630 - Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN16LA093 ## Probable cause The pilot’s failure to maintain the minimum-recommended approach airspeed in icing conditions, which resulted in a loss of airplane control. ## Findings NTSB's coded findings; those marked are part of the probable cause. - [Aircraft capability](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01061000): Aircraft › Aircraft oper/perf/capability · Capability exceeded (probable cause); cases with it: [Socata TBM 700, 2 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01061000/cases.md?model=8682000), [All aircraft, 57 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01061000/cases.md) - [Temp/humidity/pressure: conducive to structural icing](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/03031025): Environmental issues › Conditions/weather/phenomena · Effect on operation (probable cause); cases with it: [Socata TBM 700, 2 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/03031025/cases.md?model=8682000), [All aircraft, 103 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/03031025/cases.md) - [Performance/control parameters: airspeed](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01062010): Aircraft › Aircraft oper/perf/capability · Not attained/maintained (probable cause); cases with it: [Socata TBM 700, 9 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01062010/cases.md?model=8682000), [All aircraft, 1,681 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01062010/cases.md) - [Use of equip/info: aircraft control](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02063040): Personnel issues › Task performance · Pilot (probable cause); cases with it: [Socata TBM 700, 21 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02063040/cases.md?model=8682000), [All aircraft, 9,295 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02063040/cases.md) - [Use of equip/info: use of policy/procedure](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02063032): Personnel issues › Task performance · Pilot (probable cause); cases with it: [Socata TBM 700, 3 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02063032/cases.md?model=8682000), [All aircraft, 191 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02063032/cases.md) - [Terrain](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/03021000): Environmental issues › Physical environment · Contributed to outcome; cases with it: [Socata TBM 700, 2 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/03021000/cases.md?model=8682000), [All aircraft, 267 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/03021000/cases.md) ## Sequence of events The events NTSB coded, in order, by phase of flight. The defining event best describes what happened. - [Approach-IFR final approach: Structural icing](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/210); cases with it: [Socata TBM 700, 4 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/210/sequence.md?model=8682000), [All aircraft, 102 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/210/sequence.md) - [Approach-IFR final approach: Loss of lift](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/500); cases with it: [Socata TBM 700, 1 case](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/500/sequence.md?model=8682000), [All aircraft, 252 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/500/sequence.md) - [Approach-IFR final approach: Loss of control in flight](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/240) (defining event); cases with it: [Socata TBM 700, 19 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/240/sequence.md?model=8682000), [All aircraft, 5,002 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/240/sequence.md) ## Analysis The private pilot was conducting an instrument flight rules business flight to an uncontrolled airport with forecast and reported moderate icing conditions. The pilot reported that he activated the deice systems and then executed an instrument landing system approach to the airport with the autopilot connected. While descending through about 1,200 ft above ground level, the pilot extended the landing gear and lowered the flaps to the takeoff setting and subsequently noticed the airplane shudder. Flight data from the airplane's avionics display revealed that the pilot continued the approach, and while on short final, he retarded the throttle toward idle and then disconnected the autopilot. While approaching the runway threshold, the pilot allowed the airspeed to decrease below the Pilot's Operating Handbook's (POH) minimum-recommended approach speed for icing conditions. The airplane's descent rate then increased, and the airplane banked left. The pilot subsequently applied full throttle, and the airplane impacted the ground 1,463 ft short of the runway threshold, skidded 460 ft, hit a hole, and nosed over. At the accident site, significant ice accumulation was noted on both of the wings and the stabilizer, including ice buildup aft of the deice boots. Weather data indicated that the flight encountered areas of freezing drizzle and supercooled liquid water. Given this evidence, the airplane likely encountered severe (rather than the forecast moderate) in-flight icing conditions during the approach that exceeded the airplane's anti-ice systems' capabilities and led to the pilot's loss of airplane control. Given the icing conditions, the pilot should have maintained the POH's minimum-recommended approach speed for icing conditions. ## Factual narrative The pilot operating handbook (POH) contains the following information and guidance for the aircraft, which was certified for flight into known icing conditions: When ice has accumulated on the unprotected surfaces of the airplane, aerodynamic characteristics may be changed. Particularly, stall speeds may increase by up to 15 knots indicated airspeed (KIAS) at 'Flaps-Takeoff' and up to 10 KIAS at 'Flaps-Landing'. For flight into known icing conditions, minimum recommended speed (for the airplane's weight at the time of the accident) is 110 KIAS at 'Flaps-Takeoff' and 90 KIAS at 'Flaps-Landing'. Severe icing may result from environmental conditions outside of those for which the airplane if certificated. Flight in freezing rain, freezing drizzle, or mixed icing conditions (supercooled liquid water and ice crystals) may result in ice build-up on protected surfaces exceeding the capability of the ice protection system, or may result in ice forming aft of the protected surfaces. This ice may not be shed using the ice protection systems, and may seriously degrade the performance and controllability of the airplane. FAA Advisory Circular (AC) 91-47B, 'Pilot Guide: Flight in Icing Conditions,' contains the following guidance for approach and landing in icing conditions: Determine if freezing drizzle or freezing rain are being reported and avoid flying into these areas. A ground observation of any type of precipitation when temperatures are near freezing may indicate freezing precipitation aloft, so be vigilant for severe icing conditions. In accordance with the POH, use a higher approach speed into the landing when carrying an accumulation of ice. Carry some power on flare and flare slightly faster than normal if carrying ice. A Piper PA-46, operating northeast of Wichita during the timeframe of this accident, also encountered significant icing conditions and made an emergency off field landing. This PA-46 was also certified for flight into known icing conditions, but the pilot was unable to maintain altitude and encountered a stall buffet that required him to make a forced landing. The NTSB case number for this accident is GAA16CA107. The AAO airport lists an elevation of 1,421 ft, with a single runway 18/36 at 6,101 ft long by 100 ft wide. The airport does not have an air traffic control tower. The airport had a federally installed and maintained Automated Surface Observation System (ASOS). On January 19, 2016, about 1231 central standard time, a Socata TBM 700 airplane, N602MA, was substantially damaged after landing short at the Colonel James Jabara Airport (AAO), Wichita, Kansas. The private pilot and passenger were not injured. The airplane was registered to and operated by Premier Furnace Specialists, Inc. under the provisions of 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 as a business flight. Day instrument meteorological conditions (IMC) prevailed for the flight, which departed on an instrument flight rules (IFR) flight plan from the Schenck FieldAirport (ICL), Clarinda, Iowa, about 1137. The pilot stated after his departure from ICL, he was in and out clouds at his cruising altitude of flight level 200. He was advised of icing conditions along the route of flight and activated the de-ice boots to automatic, turned on the propeller heat, and the heated windshield, each of which appeared to be operating normally. On his descent into AAO, the pilot observed ice accumulating on the leading edges of the wings, but the de-ice boots appeared to be operating to keep the leading edges of the wings clear. The pilot flew an instrument landing system (ILS) approach to Runway 18 at AAO with the autopilot connected. After exiting IMC conditions on final about 1,200 ft agl, the pilot stated that he lowered flaps to the takeoff setting and extended the landing gear. Descending through about 1,000 ft agl, he noticed the airplane shudder, with an immediate increase in sink rate. The pilot stated he applied full engine power while on final, but the airplane continued to sink and subsequently touched down 1,463 ft short of the Runway 18 threshold. The airplane skidded 460 ft, during which the landing gear impacted a ground hog hole and the airplane nosed over, which damaged the firewall and wing spar. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) personnel responded to the accident site about 1500 and noted approximately 1/8 to 1/4 inch of ice on both wings. The ice accumulation was aft of the deice boot and continued aft to the trailing edge of each wing. The vertical stabilizer had similar amounts of ice buildup, which included ice accumulation aft of the stabilizer de-ice boot. At 1239, the weather observation station at AAO reported the following conditions: wind 050 degrees at 8 knots, visibility 2 ½ miles in mist, broken clouds at 700 ft agl, overcast clouds at 1,100 ft agl, temperature minus 2 degrees C, dew point minus 3 degrees C, and altimeter setting 30.13 inches of mercury. At 1233, the weather observation station at Wichita Dwight D. Eisenhower National Airport (ICT), Wichita, Kansas, located about 12 miles southwest of AAO, reported the following conditions: wind 020 degrees at 7 knots, visibility 2 miles in light drizzle and mist, overcast clouds at 800 ft agl, temperature minus 1 degrees C, dew point minus 3 degrees C, altimeter setting 30.13 inches of mercury. The terminal aerodrome forecast (TAF) for ICT issued at 0854 and used by the pilot for preflight planning expected minimum visual flight rules (MVFR) conditions at the estimated time of arrival with wind 110 degrees at 12 knots, visibility unrestricted, and overcast clouds at 1,500 ft agl. Light freezing drizzle was forecast between 1300 and 1900. At the time of the accident, the National Weather Service had an Airmen's Meteorological Advisory (AIRMET) covering the route for moderate icing conditions from the freezing level to 18,000 ft msl. The freezing level was identified from the surface to 7,000 ft msl across the region. A review of theforecast icing products from 4 hours prior to the accident also indicated a high probability of encountering icing conditions over the route and the Wichita, Kansas area, with moderate intensity, and with some potential of supercooled large drop (SLD) conditions over the region. During the period surrounding the accident there were 14 pilot reports of icing along the route ranging from a trace to moderate intensity, with light intensity the most frequent (10 reports). The type of ice varied from rime type ice (5 reports), clear (4 reports), and mixed type icing (3 reports). No severe icing events were reported in the system. The official observations disseminated from the ASOS at AAO noted a rapid decrease in visibility between 1154 and 1239, with visibility decreasing from 8 miles down to 2 ½ miles in mist. The ASOS system did not detect any measureable precipitation during this period. Current ASOS systems utilize a Light Emitting Diode Weather Identifier (LEDWI) optical sensor to report precipitation falling through the sensor volume to determine rain or snow. The sensor is unable to detect very light precipitation at less than 0.01 inch per hour, which often occurs with mist or freezing drizzle. Currently, ASOS systems do not report freezing drizzle. On January 28, 2016, the FAA and aircraft manufacturer personnel performed an examination and operational test of the aircraft de-ice systems. The de-ice boots, pitot/stall vanes, and windshield de-ice systems all performed normally. No anomalies were noted with the de-ice systems. The flaps were observed to be near the 'takeoff' position. The airplane was equipped with a Garmin G1000 system. Downloaded flight data revealed the following information from the last 20 seconds of the flight: 1230:59 to 1231:11 – Airspeed decreased from 102 KIAS to 92 KIAS and engine torque decreased from 20% to 8%. 1231:11 - Autopilot was disconnected. 1231:14 – Airspeed decreased to 89 KIAS, descent rate increased, and the airplane banked 10 degrees to the left. 1231:16 – Engine torque increased to 110% (all engine data showed a normal engine response for increased throttle input) and the airplane banked 24 degrees to the right. 1231:19 – Approximate time of ground impact. ## Aircraft - Registration: [N602MA](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N602MA-2023-04-01), registration cancelled 2023-04-01, S/N 1086, built 2015 (OpenAirDocs) - Reported make and model: SOCATA TBM700 - Registry model: [Socata TBM 700](https://openairdocs.org/model/socata-tbm-700) (registry code 8682000) (OpenAirDocs) - Registry engine: [Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6A66D](https://openairdocs.org/engine/pratt-whitney-canada-pt6a66d) (registry code 52069, turbo-prop) (OpenAirDocs) - Category: Airplane - Serial number: 1086 - Year built: 2015 - Airframe hours: 75 - Engines: Pratt and Whitney PT6A-66D 850 horsepower turbo prop - Damage: Substantial damage - Flight: Business, Part 91 - Operator: Premier Furnace Specialists - Registered owner: Premier Furnace Specialists - Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal - Departed: ICL, CLARINDA, IA - Destination: AAO, WICHITA, KS - Flight plan: IFR - Airport: AAO, Colonel James Jabara, runway 18, 6,101 × 100 ft, concrete - Equipment: Electronic primary flight display, Electronic multifunction display, Auto-pilot, Angle of attack indicator, Satellite tracking device, Onboard weather ## Flight crew As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names. - Pilot; age 54; injuries: none; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 3, without waivers/limitations; last flight review January 8, 2016; seat: left; restraint: 4-point; flight hours: 1,105 total, 56 in this make and model, 962 as pilot in command, 59 in the last 90 days, 47 in the last 30 days, 4 in the last 24 hours ## Weather - Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day - Wind: 50° at 8 knots - Visibility: 2.5 statute miles - Lowest ceiling: 700 ft broken - Temperature: 28 °F, dew point 27 °F - Altimeter: 30.12 inHg - Icing: Mixed - Observed at: KAAO, 1 nm away ## FAA reports on this event (1) The FAA's own accident and incident reports, matched to the aircraft by N-number and date (OpenAirDocs). - [Accident 20160119000759A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/20160119000759A), Jan 19, 2016: Socata TBM 700, Wichita, KS, Substantial damage. On January 19th, 2016, at approximately 1831 UTC (1231 local time), the airman, holder of a private pilot certificate was involved in an aircraft accident… ## Docket (6 files) The files NTSB released with the investigation on August 3, 2016, on NTSB's docket system: https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket?ProjectID=92630. 8.5 MB in all. - Pilot/Operator Aircraft Accident Report, NTSB Form 6120.1 (item 1, .PDF, 1.4 MB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40442830&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Pilot%2FOperator%20Aircraft%20Accident%20Report,%20NTSB%20Form%206120.1-Master.PDF - Airplane at Accident Site (item 2, .PDF, 1 photo, 601 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40442831&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Airplane%20at%20Accident%20Site-Master.PDF - G1000 Data (item 3, .CSV, 1.5 MB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40442832&FileExtension=.csv&FileName=G1000%20Data-Master.csv - G1000 Data - Last Minute of Flight (item 4, .PDF, 421 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40442833&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=G1000%20Data%20-%20Last%20Minute%20of%20Flight-Master.PDF - NTSB Weather Study (item 5, .PDF, 4.6 MB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40442834&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=NTSB%20Weather%20Study-Master.PDF - Pilot Operating Handbook - Excerpt (item 6, .PDF, 34 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40442835&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Pilot%20Operating%20Handbook%20-%20Excerpt-Master.PDF From the NTSB's public API. Aircraft are matched to registry aircraft by N-number and event date, checked against the reported serial number, make and model; the registry's history has gaps, so older matches can be wrong. Compare the reported make and model. --- OpenAirDocs.org is an independent research project of [Contrail Labs](https://contraillabs.com/). It is not affiliated with the FAA or the NTSB. Source documents are U.S. government works in the public domain.