Accident Details
An eight-place aircraft carrying nine people crashed shortly after takeoff during a cross-country flight. Investigators found that ice had been seen on the wings and horizontal stabilizer prior to departure, and icing conditions were present. The aircraft was over its maximum gross weight by at least 258 pounds.
Pilot Information
The pilot possessed an expired student pilot certificate dated August 17, 1984. A copy of a private pilot certificate indicating multiengine land and instrument ratings was found among the pilot's personal belongings, but FAA officials determined it was not a valid certificate. An application for a medical certificate dated May 30, 1991, listed 4,000 hours of flight time, though this figure could not be verified.
Pre-Flight Actions
Just before takeoff, the pilot was observed brushing snow off the wings. Despite this effort, granular ice was found on the aerodynamic surfaces after the accident.
Occupant Casualties
The accident resulted in the deaths of the pilot and two passengers, while six other occupants sustained injuries.
Official Findings
The probable cause of the accident was determined to be airframe ice and the pilot's failure to remove it. Contributing factors included the aircraft exceeding its maximum gross weight and the pilot's lack of valid certification.