FlightFinder
Check my flight
Casualties unknown

Pilot Reports Icing Before Crash in Known Icing Conditions (N3063B)

Lostant, IL, US

On February 23, 1990, a Piper PA-32RT-300 (registration N3063B) was involved in an aviation accident near Lostant, IL. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: FLIGHT INTO KNOWN ADVERSE WEATHER CONDITIONS BY THE PILOT AND STRUCTURAL (WING) ICING. FACTORS RELATED TO THE ACCIDENT WERE: THE ADVERSE WEATHER CONDITIONS AND THE PILOT'S OVERCONFIDENCE IN THE AIRCRAFT'S ABILITY. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.

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

A pilot flying a cross-country flight in known icing conditions reported encountering clear and rime ice before reporting trouble and stating the aircraft was going down. The aircraft crashed 12 miles from an airport.

Flight Details

The pilot initiated a cross-country flight after receiving two weather briefings that informed him of known icing conditions. The aircraft was in cruise flight at 6,000 feet.

Weather and Pilot Reports

While at 6,000 feet, the pilot reported to air traffic control (ATC) that he was encountering turbulence. Later, he stated that the aircraft was picking up clear and rime ice.

ATC Involvement

In response to the pilot's reports, ATC cleared the aircraft to a lower altitude and provided a vector toward a nearby airport.

Accident Sequence

Shortly after the vector, the pilot reported, "We're in trouble," followed by "We're going down." Radar contact was subsequently lost. The aircraft crashed approximately 12 miles from the airport. During the impact, wreckage was scattered over an area of about 550 feet.

Icing

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 23 Feb 1990 Piper PA-32RT-300 accident near Lostant, IL?

A pilot flying a cross-country flight in known icing conditions reported encountering clear and rime ice before reporting trouble and stating the aircraft was going down. The aircraft crashed 12 miles from an airport.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 23 Feb 1990 involved a Piper PA-32RT-300, registration N3063B, at Lostant, IL.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

FLIGHT INTO KNOWN ADVERSE WEATHER CONDITIONS BY THE PILOT AND STRUCTURAL (WING) ICING. FACTORS RELATED TO THE ACCIDENT WERE: THE ADVERSE WEATHER CONDITIONS AND THE PILOT'S OVERCONFIDENCE IN THE AIRCRAFT'S ABILITY.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001212X22520. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.