History of Flight
On December 1, 2013, about 1303 mountain standard time, a Beech B36TC, N36ML, impacted terrain while maneuvering near Yellow Pine, Idaho, destroying the airplane. The instrument-rated private pilot and four passengers were fatally injured. The flight originated from Baker City Municipal Airport (BKE) in Oregon at about 1222, bound for Butte, Montana. Instrument meteorological conditions prevailed, and an IFR flight plan was filed.
The pilot contacted air traffic control after departure to activate the IFR flight plan. The controller cleared the flight to Butte and instructed a climb to 13,000 feet. At 1256, the pilot reported picking up ice and requested to divert to Salmon, Idaho. The controller cleared the diversion and instructed the pilot to maintain 12,000 feet for terrain clearance. At 1300, a low altitude alert was issued; the pilot reported 11,500 feet and climbing. At 1301, the pilot reported engine problems and then that the engine had been lost. The controller provided headings for McCall Municipal Airport (MYL) and Johnson Creek Airport (3U2). No further communications were received. The wreckage was located on January 10, 2014, about 1.5 miles east of the last radar target.
Aircraft Information
The 1983 Beech B36TC, serial number EA-375, was a six-seat, low-wing, retractable-gear airplane powered by a Continental Motors TSIO-520-UB3F engine rated at 300 horsepower. The most recent annual inspection was completed on June 3, 2013, at a tach time of 1,611.85 hours. The engine was overhauled on March 19, 2010. The pilot operating handbook stated that flight in icing conditions was prohibited. The induction system included an alternate air door that could be manually opened if frozen closed.
Meteorological Conditions
At the time of the accident, the closest reporting station (Mcall Municipal Airport) reported wind from 140 degrees at 11 knots, visibility 9 miles in light rain, overcast ceiling at 2,400 feet, temperature 2°C, dew point 0°C. Upper air sounding from Boise indicated freezing level at 8,455 feet and icing conditions between 8,000 and 12,000 feet. At 13,000 feet, wind was from 300 degrees at 53 knots, temperature -8.5°C, with potential for trace rime icing. Probabilities of moderate clear icing existed at lower altitudes. AIRMETs for moderate icing, mountain obscuration, and turbulence were active. The pilot had filed an IFR flight plan via DUATS but did not request a formal weather briefing.
Wreckage and Impact Examination
The initial impact point was identified by five topped trees about 40 feet high, followed by a debris path on a heading of 078 degrees magnetic. The aft fuselage and tail components were found about 104 feet from the initial contact point, with the engine and forward fuselage about 138 feet away. All major structural components were within the debris path. The engine and forward structure were inverted and fire-damaged. The alternate induction air door opened and closed freely upon manual actuation. No preexisting mechanical malfunctions were found in the recovered airframe or engine that would have precluded normal operation. The propeller showed evidence of rotation at impact. Examination of the engine revealed rotational continuity and compression on all cylinders.
Pilot and Passengers
The pilot, aged 51, held a private pilot certificate with instrument rating and a second-class medical certificate dated March 27, 2013, with a requirement to wear corrective lenses. The pilot reported 1,050 total flight hours. The four passengers were also fatally injured. An autopsy determined the cause of death as severe blunt force trauma. Toxicological tests detected ethanol in muscle but not in liver.