What happened
During a cross-country flight, the pilot was notified by air traffic control regarding hazardous weather conditions along the intended path, including fog, mist, precipitation, and clouds that could obscure terrain. Reports indicated turbulence below 12,000 feet and moderate rime or mixed icing between the freezing level and 14,000 feet. While flying at 13,000 feet and descending, the pilot was alerted by controllers to a center weather advisory and reports of severe rime ice ahead. The pilot indicated that the aircraft was equipped to handle such conditions.
Despite further warnings from controllers regarding icing reports from commercial flight crews, the pilot maintained the original route. The pilot's final communications included an intention to activate de-icing equipment and an acknowledgment of a recommendation to avoid clouds. After stating an intention to orbit, the pilot reported encountering difficulties and requested a standby. Radar data showed the aircraft had been cruising at 16,500 feet before initiating a gradual descent. As the aircraft reached 12,700 feet and began a right turn, it experienced a rapid altitude fluctuation, including a descent rate of up to 10,600 feet per minute, before radar contact was lost.
Six months after the disappearance, the wreckage was located in a mountainous region. The investigation of the site revealed that the aircraft had struck trees and terrain in a nose-low attitude, with most of the debris found within a large crater.
Findings
- The aircraft was operating in an area with reported severe rime ice and turbulence.
- The pilot's final transmissions indicated the aircraft was experiencing significant difficulty due to weather conditions.