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Pilot Failed to Deice and Overloaded Aircraft Before Takeoff, Resulting in Crash (N4688B)

Williston, VT, US

On January 30, 1990, a Cessna 208B (registration N4688B) operated by Business Air, Inc. was involved in an aviation accident near Williston, VT. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot failed to deice the wings prior to the takeoff and overloaded the airplane by 360 lbs structurally and 1100 lbs for flight in icing conditions. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 10 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

The pilot did not deice the wings and overloaded the aircraft by 360 lbs structurally and 1100 lbs for icing conditions. Moderate snow was falling. The takeoff roll was long, wings were seen rocking, and the aircraft struck trees one mile from the runway, crashing and burning.

Accident Overview

The pilot failed to deice the wings prior to takeoff and overloaded the airplane by 360 lbs beyond its structural limit and by 1100 lbs for flight in icing conditions. At the time of takeoff, moderate snow was falling. The takeoff roll was described as long, and a witness observed the wings rocking from side to side after the aircraft became airborne.

Impact and Fire

The airplane struck trees one mile off the end of the runway, crashed, and subsequently burned.

Post-Accident Investigation

Post-accident examination revealed snow contamination on the top of one wing that did not burn, as well as on the top of the horizontal stabilizers and elevators. No discrepancies were found with the engine or airframe.

Probable cause

The pilot failed to deice the wings prior to the takeoff and overloaded the airplane by 360 lbs structurally and 1100 lbs for flight in icing conditions.
Icing

Related events

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Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 30 Jan 1990 Cessna 208B accident near Williston, VT?

The pilot did not deice the wings and overloaded the aircraft by 360 lbs structurally and 1100 lbs for icing conditions. Moderate snow was falling. The takeoff roll was long, wings were seen rocking, and the aircraft struck trees one mile from the runway, crashing and burning.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 30 Jan 1990 involved a Cessna 208B, registration N4688B, operated by Business Air, Inc., at Williston, VT.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot failed to deice the wings prior to the takeoff and overloaded the airplane by 360 lbs structurally and 1100 lbs for flight in icing conditions.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001212X22480. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.