What happened
Prior to the accident, the Cessna 208 was parked on the ramp overnight during freezing temperatures and precipitation, including rain and snow. Other aircraft in the vicinity were noted to have accumulated a layer of ice and frost. In response to these conditions, ramp personnel applied a heated glycol and water mixture to deice the aircraft. While the ramp supervisor believed the upper wing surface was clear, he did not physically verify the absence of ice through touch. It remains unclear if the pilot performed a subsequent physical or visual inspection of the wing and tail surfaces, though the aircraft's high-wing design may have obscured any remaining clear ice from the pilot's view.
The flight departed from runway 01 carrying the pilot and nine passengers. Shortly after takeoff, an observer noted the aircraft appeared to be flying normally before it suddenly pitched upward, rolled 90 degrees to the left, and experienced a left yaw. The aircraft then entered a nose-down descent, reaching a maximum altitude of approximately 651 feet mean sea level before impacting the ground in a level attitude. The accident resulted in 10 fatalities.
Findings
Investigations into the wreckage showed no evidence of mechanical failure within the flight controls, instruments, or airframe prior to the impact. The engine and propeller were also found to be functional, with data indicating the engine was still operating at the moment of impact. The investigation focused on the potential for residual ice contamination on the lifting surfaces following the deicing process.