Incident Summary
A pilot operating an aircraft with five passengers on board initiated a takeoff while the aircraft was approximately 170 pounds over its maximum allowable gross weight. The flight proceeded into known moderate icing conditions, for which the aircraft was not equipped. During the flight, radio and radar contact with the aircraft was lost at an altitude of approximately 3,500 feet MSL.
Sequence of Events
After the loss of contact, the aircraft was sighted exiting an overcast cloud deck. Witnesses observed that one of the aircraft's wings had failed. Subsequently, the aircraft descended and impacted an ice-covered lake in a near-vertical attitude. The aircraft was not equipped to operate in the icing conditions that were known to exist at the time of the flight.
Preliminary Findings
Investigators determined that the aircraft exceeded its maximum allowable gross weight by approximately 170 pounds at takeoff. The pilot was aware of the presence of moderate icing conditions before departure. The aircraft lacked the necessary equipment to safely fly in such conditions, as per its limitations. No further details have been released regarding the specific aircraft type, registration, or operator.