What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1996-06-03 involved a Cessna 320C, registration N78KA, at Winslow, ME.

Pilot Reported Icing Conditions Before River Impact (N78KA)

On June 3, 1996, a Cessna 320C (registration N78KA) was involved in an aviation accident near Winslow, ME. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: the pilot's continued flight into known adverse weather conditions, and his loss of aircraft control, which resulted in an uncontrolled descent into terrain (river). The known icing condition was a related factor. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.

While cruising at 18,000 feet, an airplane lost radar and radio contact, made a 180-degree turn, and impacted a river. Witnesses saw it spiraling through clouds. Investigators found no preimpact anomalies but noted freezing conditions and an active AIRMET for icing.

Loss of Contact and Descent

The airplane was cruising at 18,000 feet mean sea level when air traffic control lost radar and radio communication. Radar data later showed that the aircraft executed a 180-degree turn before striking a river. Witnesses reported hearing the airplane and then observing it spiraling downward through cloud cover.

Postaccident Examination

A thorough postaccident examination revealed no evidence of any mechanical or structural anomaly prior to impact.

Weather Conditions

Weather information indicated a temperature of minus 9 to 10 degrees Celsius at 18,000 feet, with a freezing level between 9,000 and 13,000 feet. An AIRMET (Zulu Update 3) for icing and freezing conditions was in effect along the route of flight. Numerous pilot reports documented icing conditions in the vicinity of the accident.

Pilot Actions and Aircraft Equipment

The pilot had requested and received an abbreviated preflight weather briefing and was advised by ATC of the information contained in the AIRMET. According to the aircraft owner's manual, pilots of this make and model should avoid icing conditions whenever possible. The airplane was not equipped with deicing equipment, and the pitot heat switch was found in the off position.

1996-06-03: Cessna 320C (N78KA) — Winslow, ME