Accident Overview
The accident occurred during a nighttime approach to Rockford-Greater Rockford Airport. The airplane entered a sharp left bank and subsequently lost altitude, leading to a collision with terrain. The impact ignited a fire that engulfed the aircraft, resulting in its complete destruction. The passenger on board was killed, while both pilots sustained serious injuries.
Probable Cause and Contributing Factors
The official probable cause statement attributed the accident to the failure to maintain flying speed and the failure to use or the incorrect use of miscellaneous equipment. Additionally, the investigation reported several contributing factors: icing conditions that included sleet and freezing rain; the presence of airframe ice; and moderate rime ice encountered during the descent.