What happened
During an approach to land in instrument icing conditions, the pilot was performing a circling maneuver with the landing gear extended and flaps set to 15 degrees. While flying through clouds, the aircraft began to buffet and shake significantly. The pilot transmitted an emergency message over the UNICOM frequency, notifying a fixed base operator and a lineman of engine ice. Shortly after this transmission, the aircraft entered a 60-degree bank and struck trees and the ground.
At the time of the accident, the total weight of the Cessna 414 was 6,568.52 pounds, which exceeded the maximum landing weight of 6,430 pounds. There were 1 fatality reported in the accident.
Findings
Investigation into the circumstances revealed that the alternate air induction system was not activated during the flight. Additionally, the aircraft's weight at the time of the crash was above the manufacturer's specified maximum landing weight. The pilot had previously completed one other flight in icing conditions prior to this occurrence.