Incident Overview
A crew en route from Chicago to International Falls encountered poor weather with icing conditions while at cruising altitude. The pilot-in-command was cleared by air traffic control to divert to the nearest airport and began a descent.
Approach and Go-Around
On the approach to Hibbing-Chisholm Airport, the crew did not land but initiated a go-around. After passing over the runway end, control was lost and the airplane crashed in a field.
Damage and Injuries
The aircraft was destroyed in the crash. Both pilots sustained serious injuries.
Probable Cause and Factors
The official investigation determined the probable cause to be inadequate preflight preparation on the part of the crew. The following factors were reported: rain, snow and icing conditions including sleet and freezing rain; airframe ice; adverse/unfavorable weather conditions; icing conditions forecasted; no de-icing equipment on the aircraft; and the first approach was missed.