Flight History
Before takeoff, the pilot received a weather briefing that included flight precautions for turbulence, IFR conditions, and icing. En route at 12,000 ft, the pilot reported picking up rime ice. Air traffic control cleared the aircraft to 11,000 ft, then to 10,000 ft. When the pilot was unable to maintain that altitude, ATC advised descending further to 9,000 ft and reversing course.
Accident Sequence
The last communication from the aircraft was a female voice stating that they were in trouble, losing airspeed fast, and going into the mountains. Witnesses on the ground heard the aircraft, then saw it come out of the clouds and crash at an elevation of 3,300 ft.
Wreckage Examination
Approximately 20 to 30 seconds after the primary impact, the left V-tail stabilizer fell to the ground about 1,000 ft from the main wreckage. Additionally, the right cabin door and the baggage door were found separated from the main wreckage. An examination of the stabilizer revealed that it had separated downward. Mountain tops in the area reached up to 6,956 ft.