Accident Overview
An air taxi pilot lost control of the airplane and crashed while executing the second aborted VFR approach. The pilot reported that VFR conditions existed during the approach. However, passengers and witnesses on the ground stated that visibility was less than one mile.
Ice Accumulation and Visibility
Passengers reported that ice was accumulating on the airplane's windshield and wings before and during the approaches. The pilot could see outside only by looking out the side windows.
Events During the Second Approach
During the second approach, a passenger tapped the pilot on the shoulder and informed her that the runway was on the right side of the airplane, pointing to it. The pilot then executed a very steep right turn toward the runway. During this turn, the airplane shuddered violently, stalled, and fell to the ground.
Engine Performance
The pilot stated that the engine would only deliver partial power during the second aborted approach. However, passengers and persons on the ground reported that the engine sounded like it was developing full power. Post-accident disassembly of the engine revealed no problems that were considered causal to a partial power loss.
Conclusion
The pilot lost control of the airplane during the second aborted VFR approach, resulting in the crash.