NTSB Factual Report

On February 9, 2003, at 1540 Pacific standard time, a Cessna 172S, N912LB, registered to and being operated/flown by a private pilot, accompanied by a flight instructor, sustained substantial damage during a hard landing on flare/touchdown at the Snohomish County airport (PAE), Everett, Washington. Both pilots were uninjured. Instrument meteorological conditions (IMC) existed and an instrument flight rules (IFR) flight plan was in effect. The local flight, which was instructional, was operated under 14CFR91, and had originated from Boeing Field, Seattle, Washington, at 1440.

The private pilot under instruction (PUI) reported that he was engaged in training towards an instrument rating with his flight instructor pilot (IP). He reported that he had acquired surface observations and terminal area forecast information for the area of the intended flight and had obtained an abbreviated weather briefing from Seattle Flight Service, and there was no reference to icing conditions.

After their departure from Boeing Field and approaching the area of Paine Field both pilots overheard a radio report from another aircraft (location unknown) of icing conditions and the IP noted the formation of light rime ice on the non-icing certified aircraft's wings.

The PUI initiated the VOR-B approach and broke out about 500-600 feet above ground after which a missed approach was executed. During the missed approach maneuver, approximately 1,000 feet altitude and in IMC, both pilots noted that the aircraft had begun picking up ice. The IP chose to terminate the flight and requested an "abbreviated" approach with radar vectors to the instrument landing system (ILS) runway 16R approach to a full stop landing on the 9,010 foot long runway. The aircraft was cleared for the approach and the IP briefed the PUI on the procedures for the approach i.e., "...higher speeds than normal at all times, no flaps, and fly the airplane onto the runway/no flare...."

On short final, about 10-15 feet above ground, the left wing dropped and the aircraft landed hard on the left main gear and bounced. The pilot added power in an attempt to stabilize the aircraft and the flight instructor then took control of the aircraft but was unable to regain directional control. The aircraft continued off the left side of the runway and into soft terrain, during which the nose gear dug into soft terrain and the aircraft nosed over.

The aircraft broke out about 500-600 feet above ground and the PUI reported that about 150-200 feet above ground approaching the threshold he began to slow his approach speed to 80-85 knots. As he crossed the threshold and 10-15 feet above the runway he "...pulled the power out and slowed up to about 70-75 knots..." at which time the IP felt the airframe shudder, the left wing "stalled," and the aircraft began a left roll/yaw. The aircraft's left wheel contacted the runway and the aircraft bounced. The IP took control of the aircraft, ensured that the power was cut and attempted to maintain directional control as the aircraft departed the left side of the runway rolling onto soft, wet grass during which it nosed over.

The PUI remarked, "...after impact, I noted there was ice along most of the leading edges of both wings. I picked up one piece about 8-10 inches long, which had fallen off, and noted it had wrapped around the shape of the leading edge to form a flat face, perpendicular to the direction of the airflow. In its thickest part, it was about 0.75 - 1" thick, and about 0.25 - 0.5" in its thinnest part...."

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot's failure to maintain adequate airspeed and the instructor's inadequate supervision of the flight. Contributing factors were the rime icing conditions, and the soft terrain encountered on the off runway rollout.