FlightFinder
Check my flight
Casualties unknown

Uncontrolled Descent and In-Flight Breakup Following Icing Encounter (N9254Q)

Warner Springs, CA, US

On April 4, 1999, a Piper PA-32R-301 (registration N9254Q) was involved in an aviation accident near Warner Springs, CA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot disregarded his weather briefing and attempted flight into areas of forecast and reported icing and moderate to severe turbulence. 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 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

An airplane experienced an uncontrolled descent and in-flight breakup after encountering icing conditions, despite weather briefings warning of moderate to severe icing and turbulence.

Accident Sequence

The airplane impacted terrain after an uncontrolled descent. During the descent, while the airplane was in a descending right turn on the downwind side of a mountain, the horizontal stabilator and the left wing separated from the airframe.

Weather Conditions

Prior to departure, the pilot received a full preflight weather briefing and updated that briefing with an abbreviated briefing before takeoff. Both briefings included forecasts for moderate to severe turbulence and icing along the intended route of flight. While en route, the pilot experienced icing conditions and requested a lower altitude. Additionally, the pilot received pilot reports that indicated icing conditions were being encountered in the area of the destination.

The airplane was not equipped with anti-icing or deicing equipment.

A Safety Board weather study identified conditions that were conducive for clouds, turbulence, wind shear, icing, and mountain wave activity.

IcingWeather

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 4 Apr 1999 Piper PA-32R-301 accident near Warner Springs, CA?

An airplane experienced an uncontrolled descent and in-flight breakup after encountering icing conditions, despite weather briefings warning of moderate to severe icing and turbulence.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 4 Apr 1999 involved a Piper PA-32R-301, registration N9254Q, at Warner Springs, CA.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot disregarded his weather briefing and attempted flight into areas of forecast and reported icing and moderate to severe turbulence. The airplane encountered mountain wave activity resulting in an overload condition and in-flight separation of the left wing and stabilator. Mountainous terrain, icing…

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001205X00486. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.