What happened
The accident airplane collided with terrain after losing control during flight in instrument meteorological conditions (IMC) associated with snow. Prior to the incident, Federal Aviation Administration records indicate that the pilot had requested an Instrument Flight Rules (IFR) clearance to his intended destination while he was simultaneously receiving Visual Flight Rules (VFR) flight following services.
The investigation
A physical examination of the airplane wreckage revealed significant mechanical anomalies related to the flight instruments. Specifically, the pitot tube was found to be packed with ice crystals, which likely compromised the accuracy of the airspeed indicator during the critical phase of flight.
Findings
The primary factors contributing to this accident were the pilot's loss of control of the aircraft and the adverse weather conditions. The presence of snow and IMC created a high-risk environment, exacerbated by the apparent blockage of the pitot tube by ice crystals. This mechanical failure prevented accurate airspeed information from reaching the pilot, leading to the subsequent loss of control and collision with terrain.
Safety message
This accident highlights the critical importance of proper pitot tube heating and de-icing procedures when flying in conditions conducive to icing, such as snow and IMC. Pilots must ensure that all flight instruments are functioning correctly and that they are aware of the limitations of their equipment when transitioning between VFR flight following and IFR operations.