Casualties unknown

Pilot Encounters Significant Icing During Flight, Aircraft Inverted (N7583P)

Boise, ID, US

On March 7, 1997, a Piper PA-24-250 (registration N7583P) was involved in an aviation accident near Boise, ID. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: 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. 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 2026-06-10Data APIEditorial standards

A pilot who received preflight and inflight icing warnings continued toward destination for ten minutes after ice accumulation began, then reversed course but encountered significant icing, with last transmissions indicating inverted and descending.

Incident Overview

A pilot operating a general aviation aircraft received a standard preflight weather briefing and an inflight weather update. Both indicated that icing conditions should be expected while in clouds or in precipitation, which was forecast along the intended route. While en route, the pilot flew into clouds, and the airplane began accumulating ice.

Sequence of Events

For at least ten minutes after the initial onset of airframe ice accumulation, the pilot continued flying toward the destination. He then elected to reverse course. However, before he was able to exit the cloud formation, the ice accumulation became 'significant.'

Final Transmissions

The pilot's last two radio transmissions indicated that the aircraft was inverted and that he was in trouble and '...going down.'

Weather Information

The preflight briefing and inflight update had both forecast icing conditions along the route, specifically when operating in clouds or precipitation. The pilot proceeded into clouds despite this information.

No Further Details

The report does not specify the aircraft type, registration, date, operator, location, number of occupants, injuries, or damage. No conclusions about the outcome or causal factors are provided beyond the sequence described.

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.