THE 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
Probable Cause issued 2/11/2026 – 25 months after the accident: Pilot incapacitation for undetermined reasons which resulted into controlled descent into terrain.
THE 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 issued. NTSB recommendations are rare and usually tied to high-profile accidents.
See the NTSB Recommendation Tracker →