Synopsis
A pilot flying from Boca Raton was approaching Republic when air traffic control alerted him to icing conditions in the area. While descending in poor weather, the pilot lost control of the aircraft, which crashed a few miles from the airfield. The aircraft was destroyed, and the pilot, the sole occupant, was killed.
Weather and Icing Conditions
According to the investigation, the weather included low ceiling, fog, and icing conditions consisting of sleet and freezing rain. The weather was slightly worse than forecast. Approach control advised the pilot of icing conditions in clouds. The pilot himself reported heavy icing, and the aircraft's full deicing equipment was activated.
Accident Sequence
The pilot had an uneventful flight from Boca Raton. While descending in poor weather conditions, he lost control of the airplane, resulting in an uncontrolled descent and collision with the ground during the initial approach.
Probable Cause
The official probable cause was determined to be an uncontrolled descent and collision with the ground during initial approach caused by icing conditions. Contributing factors reported include low ceiling, fog, icing conditions (sleet and freezing rain), airframe ice, ice on the propeller, weather slightly worse than forecast, approach control's advisory of icing in clouds, the pilot's report of heavy icing, and activation of full deicing equipment.