CHI96LA058

The pilot reported that he was back-taxiing down runway 27 for takeoff when the nosewheel broke through the ice on the runway. The airplane stopped quickly, and the propeller struck the ice. Examination of the airplane revealed damage to the firewall at the two lower engine mount attach points and where the nosewheel attaches to the engine mount.

On December 16, 1995, at 1330 eastern standard time, a Cessna 150B, N1219Y, operated by a private pilot, sustained substantial damage when during taxi for takeoff, the airplane's nosewheel cracked through the ice-covered runway. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time of the accident. The flight was being conducted under 14 CFR Part 91. A flight plan was not on file. The pilot reported no injuries. The local flight was to originate at Grant, Michigan.

The pilot reported that he was back-taxiing down runway 27 at Grant Airport, Michigan, for takeoff when the nosewheel "broke through the ice on the runway." The pilot estimated that the nosewheel penetrated approximately three to four inches into the ice. The airplane "stopped quickly." The propeller struck the ice and the engine continued to operate.

The Federal Aviation Administration inspector who examined the airplane at Grant Airport, Michigan, reported the metal firewall had bent at the two lower engine mount attach points. There were ripples found in the firewall metal where the nosewheel attaches to the engine mount. No other damage to the airplane was found.