Incident
Minutes after departing Lansing Airport, the aircraft began climbing in poor weather conditions. The pilot received clearance from air traffic control to divert to Grand Rapids-Kent County Airport. During the approach to Grand Rapids, the airplane became uncontrollable and crashed.
Injuries and Casualties
Two passengers were seriously injured in the accident. Four other occupants were killed, bringing the total number of occupants on board to six.
Probable Cause
The official investigation determined that the probable cause of the accident was an uncontrolled collision with the ground during the approach after the pilot initiated flight in adverse weather conditions. Contributing factors included the pilot's failure to follow approved procedures, airframe ice accumulation, icing conditions (including sleet and freezing rain), windshear, ice on the windshield, and visibility of two miles or less.