What happened
The twin-engine aircraft departed Midland Airport in Michigan at 0910 local time, heading toward Boston with four passengers and two pilots on board. Approximately one hour into the journey, after crossing over London, Ontario, the crew encountered operational difficulties. They contacted London Airport control to declare an emergency and initiated a diversion procedure while reducing altitude.
During this phase of flight, conditions were characterized by poor visibility and adverse weather. The aircraft passed extremely low over a residential structure, clearing a house roof by only twelve feet, before descending into an open field. Upon impact, the airframe caught fire and was completely destroyed. One passenger managed to evacuate the cabin and sustained minor injuries, while five other occupants were killed.
The flight had been arranged under specific circumstances where the regular crew declined to operate due to severe stormy weather approaching from the east. Consequently, a second crew accepted the assignment to complete the trip. The passengers included prominent figures traveling for a conference in Boston.
Findings
Investigation into the incident focused on the environmental conditions and their impact on aircraft performance. It was determined that the loss of control was the direct consequence of an excessive accumulation of ice on the wings and fuselage. This icing compromised the aerodynamic stability of the aircraft, leading to the fatal crash.