On the Q400, is it possible to see the prop hubs when looking out the pilot side windows and seated at the flight controls?
My years of DH8 experience is all in the -100/200/300 models. I know on the -100/200 you can see all the way inboard from the wingtip, across the prop assembly and inboard engine cowling and still be able to view a portion of the inboard de-ice boot on the wing root. On the -300, you can see from the wingtip inboard towards the vicinity of the prop hub. Trying to view the inboard engine cowling or inboard de-ice boot is all but impossible on a -300.
This recent Colgan crash has me wondering where the crew might have been looking for the signs of icing accumulation on the aircraft. Apparently, they mention ice on the wings and windshield on the CVR. I am assuming they are referring to the wing leading edges outboard of the engines, and the heated forward pilot windshields.
I would have been looking at any unusual or significant icing accumulation on the unprotected surfaces of the aircraft. The probe on the windshield wiper arm seems like an obvious place to inspect. Other areas such as the pilot side windows and prop hubs (if visible on the Q400) might have provided additional clues that they were in more than moderate icing and it was time to turn off the autopilot.