Non-Instrument Rated Pilot Lost in Icing Conditions (N9240P)

Flight Planning and Weather Conditions A pilot who did not hold an instrument rating filed an IFR flight plan before obtaining a weather briefing. The forecast indicated light to moderate rime icing from 5,000 to 16,000 feet. The pilot had received approximately 44 hours of dual instrument training during the first six months of 1986. The last recorded pitot-static system test and calibration was on July 8, 1986. ## Loss of Contact At 1541, an ARTCC controller observed that the aircraft's Mode C altitude report was 1,300 feet below the assigned altitude of 10,000 feet and descending. When the controller inquired, the pilot responded, “I cannot maintain altitude.” At 1543, radio and radar contact with the aircraft was lost. ## Environmental and Witness Reports An airline flight reported encountering moderate rime ice while operating in the area of the accident site. A ground witness stated that a thunderstorm was overhead at the time of the accident, accompanied by lightning, thunder, hail, and moderate snow and rain showers. The witness also heard a loud “winding up engine sound followed by a large bang.”