15) IN FLIGHT ICING, U-FIT

Cessna 310R | N252DL

January 14th, 2024 | Poolville, Texas

Accident Location

  • City: Poolville
  • State: Texas
  • Latitude: 32.9863
  • Longitude: -97.8972
  • Airport ID: KXBP

Aircraft Info

  • N Number: N252DL
  • Make: Cessna
  • Model: 310R
  • Aircraft Category: Aircraft Multi Engine Land
  • Amateur Built: No

Pilot Info

  • PIC Name: Smith, Heath
  • Gender: Male
  • Pilot Age: 40
  • Pilot Hours:
  • Flight School: No
  • Instructional Flight: No
  • Pilot Certification: Private Pilot
  • IFR Rating: Yes
  • Pilot Error: Yes
  • Pilot Medical: 3rd Class Medical
  • Pilot Incapacitation: No

Analysis

  • Date: January 14th, 2024
  • Time: 12:15 PM Local Time
  • Day / Night: Day
  • VMC / IMC: IMC
  • Phase Of Flight: Descent
  • Total People Onboard: 3
  • PIC Fatality: 1
  • PAX Fatalities: 2
  • Ground Fatalities: 0
  • Total Fatalities: 3
  • NTSB No: CEN24FA089
  • NTSB Travel: Yes
  • AQP Classification: 15) IN FLIGHT ICING, U-FIT

Probable Cause

DTSB: The DTSB determines the Probable Cause of this accident was pilot error, in electing to attempt this flight in both known and forecast icing conditions. The accident aircraft was not certified for flight in known icing. Numerous Airmets and PIREPS existed for icing, the freezing level was around 4,000 feet. The accident aircraft descended from 7,000 into heavy IMC, and icing conditions before abruptly losing altitude. It is not clear if the aircraft began to break up prior to impact.

NTSB: NONE

Recommendation

DTSB: The DTSB recommends that all pilots of all aircraft not certified for flight in known icing conditions avoid flight at altitudes and condition conducive to the formation of airframe ice. We recommend a thorough preflight briefing to include freezing level forecasts.

NTSB: NONE

DISCLAIMER: All data and Probable Cause listings are “Probable” only. They are based on opinion and educated speculation, and are for educational purposes only. They may contain incorrect information and are subject to change as new information becomes available.