Got into a situation 3 days ago in the 320 that I would rather not repeat. Thought that I might share it with you guys just for information to store away in your mental database.

Started picking up a trace of rime ice approaching Plainview, TX at 6,000. AWOS reporting 3 degrees at the surface, should be ok. Decending through 5 on the approach (field elevation about 3,300) started picking up ice fast...real fast. Ended up with about 1 1/2 inches on the leading edges (and everywhere else). It was kind of horn shaped in that it extended above and below the LE with a concave forward face. On the approach I did NOT extend gear or flaps, carried FULL power, airspeed down to120 knots (as slow as I dared) and still sinking 500 fpm.  Extended gear and flaps over the threshold and landed with full power. The ice did not come off.

Our airplanes are fast and efficient because of the superb aerodynamics designed into them. When you take that away with ice, you're left with an underpowered brick that will NOT remain aloft. The airplane remained controllable but the performance was absoutely gone. I'm happy to be here to give this report to you. Don't do this!

Bill Harrelson
5zq@cox.net
N5ZQ  320  960+ hrs
N6ZQ   IV   1%