Summary
Approximately 10 minutes after departure, the pilot of N739RJ reported "engine problems." He tried various power settings and fuel selections without success, then advised Fort Campbell Approach Control that he was landing into trees. Investigation revealed that conditions at the time were within a range of serious icing after 15 minutes continuous engine operation.
Narrative
The incident began shortly after the aircraft's departure. The pilot of N739RJ contacted air traffic control and reported that he was experiencing engine problems. He detailed his attempts to rectify the issue by adjusting power settings and switching fuel selections, but these actions did not resolve the problem. Facing a continuing engine malfunction, the pilot informed Fort Campbell Approach Control of his plan to land the aircraft into trees. The communication indicates that the pilot was unable to maintain normal flight and opted to execute an emergency landing in a treed area.
Investigation Findings
Following the accident, an investigation was conducted. The investigation determined that the atmospheric conditions present at the time of the accident were within a range capable of causing serious icing after 15 minutes of continuous engine operation. No further details about the cause of the engine problems or the outcome of the landing were provided in the source material.
Conclusion
No probable cause for the accident was explicitly stated in the available information. The investigation noted the icing conditions but did not link them directly to the reported engine problems.