What happened
On a flight originating from Fargo, a twin engine airplane was performing a descent toward Anoka County-Blaine (Janes Field). During this approach phase, the aircraft entered an uncontrolled descent. The plane impacted the ground near Ramsey, situated approximately 13 miles northwest of the destination airport.
The impact resulted in the total destruction of the aircraft. There were five fatalities recorded among the occupants of the plane; no survivors were reported from the crash site.
Findings
Official investigations concluded that the accident occurred because the pilot failed to maintain flying speed during the initial approach, leading to the uncontrolled descent and subsequent impact. Several environmental factors were identified as contributing elements to the event:
- Presence of icing conditions, specifically involving freezing rain and sleet
- Reduced visibility of 4 miles or less
- Dense fog
- Reports of icing from other pilots operating in the same area