Pilot encounters significant icing during flight

Casualties unknown • Boise, ID, US

An aircraft encountered severe ice accumulation after flying into clouds, leading to an inverted flight condition and a distress call from the pilot.

What happened

The pilot was provided with a standard preflight weather briefing as well as an inflight weather update prior to the flight. These briefings indicated that icing conditions were expected while flying in clouds or precipitation along the intended route.

During the flight, the aircraft entered cloud formations, resulting in the onset of airframe ice accumulation. The pilot continued toward the destination for at least ten minutes following the initial buildup of ice. Upon deciding to reverse course, the aircraft remained within the cloud formation, where the ice accumulation reached a significant level. During his final two radio transmissions, the pilot reported that the aircraft was inverted and stated that he was in trouble and "...going down."

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1997-03-07 Piper PA-24-250 accident near Boise, ID?

An aircraft encountered severe ice accumulation after flying into clouds, leading to an inverted flight condition and a distress call from the pilot.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1997-03-07 involved a Piper PA-24-250, registration N7583P, at Boise, ID.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

the accumulation of airframe ice on the aircraft, and the pilot's delayed remedial action after intentionally flying into forecast adverse weather conditions. The adverse weather (icing) conditions were related factors.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001208X07624. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.

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