What happened
A flight was operating to transport ten individuals from a private hunting camp at Lower Mud Lake, Louisiana, to Shreveport, Louisiana. At the time of departure, weather conditions along the route were characterized by overcast skies with cloud tops ranging between 2,500 and 7,000 feet. The aircraft departed Lower Mud Lake at approximately 1635.
During the flight, the pilot communicated with various radio stations, including Alexandria and Shreveport Approach Control. While initially flying above the clouds, the pilot requested an instrument flight rules clearance for the approach to Shreveport. As the aircraft descended, the crew was notified of icing conditions at altitudes of 4,000 feet and above, as well as reports of light snow and fog in the area.
By 1732, the aircraft had descended through 5,000 feet, with the pilot reporting temperatures dropping from 40 degrees to 32 degrees Fahrenheit. At 1745, the pilot reported that the aircraft had accumulated a significant amount of ice and was struggling to maintain altitude, eventually descending to 1,500 feet. The final radio contact occurred at 1749, when the pilot stated they were below the clouds with Wallace Lake in sight and were proceeding with the approach. Witnesses near the crash site observed the aircraft flying approximately 400 to 500 feet above the ground, banking sharply and descending steeply before a crash occurred.
Findings
The accident resulted in fatalities following the rapid accumulation of ice on the wings, which prevented the aircraft from maintaining its flight path. The investigation noted that the aircraft lacked necessary deicing equipment for the wings or windshield. Additionally, the pilot failed to sufficiently review weather forecasts that had indicated potential severe icing conditions in the area.