What happened
While traveling toward San Francisco, the flight crew encountered intense icing conditions during the journey. Following these weather complications, the crew was granted authorization to divert and return to Burbank. However, shortly after this decision, the pilot determined that returning to the original destination was no longer feasible.
In an effort to execute an emergency landing, the pilot decreased the aircraft's altitude. The aircraft subsequently performed a belly landing in a field situated adjacent to a highway in Newhall. During the descent and subsequent slide across the ground, the plane struck an electric pole before finally coming to a stop.
Findings
- The primary factor leading to the emergency was the encounter with severe icing conditions.
- There were zero fatalities and zero injuries reported among the three crew members involved in the incident.
- While all personnel escaped without harm, the aircraft sustained damage that rendered it a total loss.