Narrative:

We were being sequenced by approach at 4000' in icing conditions. We heard other carriers reporting icing to ATC. I noticed heavier than normal accumulation on the wipers and commented to the pilot flying (PF) (although there was nothing on the side windows). I became concerned about icing on the tail; and have experienced tail icing a couple years ago. Just after selecting flaps 45 and during our speed reduction we saw and heard the glare shield start to continually vibrate and the aircraft felt like it was beginning to buffet. I instructed the PF to maintain 160 kts. Until we were below the 10 foot radio altimeter (RA) call. We had plenty of runway and going missed would only make our perceived threat worse. The PF did a good job getting the aircraft down safely and we easily made the first high speed. Upon post flight we saw heavy jagged accumulations of ice on several forward surfaces; including the vertical and horizontal stab. Moderate to heavy icing; possible buffet. Mainly - tail icing (a condition we are told is not likely on the CRJ200).ATC might have utilized a different altitude once they knew 4000' was producing icing. Also; bombardier should review the tail icing threat and formulate guidance or limitations.

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Original NASA ASRS Text

Title: CRJ-200 Captain reported experiencing vibration and buffeting probably related to ice accumulation on approach in icing conditions.

Narrative: We were being sequenced by approach at 4000' in icing conditions. We heard other carriers reporting icing to ATC. I noticed heavier than normal accumulation on the wipers and commented to the Pilot Flying (PF) (although there was nothing on the side windows). I became concerned about icing on the tail; and have experienced tail icing a couple years ago. Just after selecting flaps 45 and during our speed reduction we saw and heard the glare shield start to continually vibrate and the aircraft felt like it was beginning to buffet. I instructed the PF to maintain 160 kts. until we were below the 10 foot Radio Altimeter (RA) call. We had plenty of runway and going missed would only make our perceived threat worse. The PF did a good job getting the aircraft down safely and we easily made the first high speed. Upon post flight we saw heavy jagged accumulations of ice on several forward surfaces; including the vertical and horizontal stab. Moderate to heavy icing; possible buffet. Mainly - tail icing (a condition we are told is not likely on the CRJ200).ATC might have utilized a different altitude once they knew 4000' was producing icing. Also; Bombardier should review the tail icing threat and formulate guidance or limitations.

Data retrieved from NASA's ASRS site and automatically converted to unabbreviated mixed upper/lowercase text. This report is for informational purposes with no guarantee of accuracy. See NASA's ASRS site for official report.