Beechcraft Bonanza Icing Problems

The Beechcraft Bonanza is a single engine aircraft that has been in production since 1947. Like many aircraft of its class, the Bonanza is not approved for flight in icy conditions because of several problems known to occur when icing affects the plane.

Icing Conditions

According to the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA), the Beechcraft Bonanza must be equipped properly and certified to fly in icy conditions. Early models of the Bonanza, as built by the manufacturer, were vulnerable to carburetor icing, which is known to cause engine failure.

Icing Types

According to AOPA, there are two types of icing problems that affect Bonanzas: Structural ice, in which ice forms over the wing, tail and propeller causing the plane to stall and decreasing lift, and induction ice, in which ice blocks the air intake and can cause engine failure.

Accidents

An AOPA study found that between 1983 and 1999, there were 50 accidents involving Bonanzas due to icing conditions. In February 1959, a Beechcraft Bonanza carrying three famous musicians, Charles Hardin "Buddy" Holly, Ritchie Valens and J.P. "The Big Bopper" Richardson, crashed in rural Iowa in snowy, icy conditions, killing all aboard. However, an investigation blamed the crash on poor pilot judgment. In January 1997, two people were killed when their Bonanza crashed into the San Jacinto Mountains. The pilot had reported icing on the wings.

References

• Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association: Beechcraft Bonanza/Debonair Safety Highlights.
• The Fifties Web: Civil Aeronautics Board Report on the Crash that killed Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens and the Big Bopper.
• Los Angeles Times: Couple Killed as Plane Goes Down Near Banning; January 15, 1997.