Accident Summary
The aircraft was operating in marginal weather conditions, including low ceiling, snow, and icing conditions. During the flight, both engines lost power. The pilot decided to divert to the nearest airport. However, the airplane lost altitude and subsequently collided with terrain. The wreckage was located one day later. Among the occupants, one passenger suffered serious injuries, and the six other occupants were killed.
Probable Cause
According to the official investigation, the probable cause of the accident was a controlled collision with ground due to inadequate preflight preparation and planning on part of the pilot-in-command.
Contributing Factors
The following contributing factors were identified: initiating flight in adverse weather conditions; attempting operation with known deficiencies in equipment; ice induction; low ceiling; snow; icing conditions including sleet and freezing rain; conditions conducive to carburetor or induction system icing; partial loss of power on both engines, which was later recovered; no record of a weather briefing received; forced landing off airport on land; zero visibility; blowing snow; and recovery of the wreckage a day later.