What happened
During a nighttime flight at cruising altitude over Virginia, the crew of a twin engine airplane encountered significant icing conditions. In an attempt to avoid further accumulation, the crew requested permission from air traffic control to climb to a higher altitude; however, this request was not granted.
Shortly after this encounter, the aircraft entered a steep dive. The plane struck a field in Wise in a near-vertical orientation. The impact resulted in the total destruction of the aircraft and caused seven fatalities, with no survivors among the occupants.
Findings
Investigations into the accident identified several contributing elements related to the weather and operational decisions:
- The aircraft encountered severe icing conditions, specifically involving freezing rain and sleet.
- Ice accumulation occurred on the airframe.
- Loss of control following in-flight icing was the primary factor leading to the crash.
- Operational decisions made during the flight were deemed improper.
- The crew was unable to reach a safer altitude to escape the weather.
- Air traffic control did not seek detailed information regarding the declining state of the aircraft or the crew's ability to maintain flight.