Pilot Debrief

MOONEY M20C near Atkins, VA — 2008-03-16

Final reportNYC08FA139
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Date
2008-03-16
Location
Atkins, VA, USA
Aircraft
MOONEY M20C
Registration
C-FRSK
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
Fatal
Fatalities
2
Phase of flight
Climb

Probable cause

The pilot's improper decision to take off in conditions conducive to icing, and his inability to maintain control of the airplane during an in-flight accumulation of structural ice.

NTSB narrative

After receiving a weather briefing that indicated a probability of en route icing conditions, the pilot, who was not instrument rated, filed an instrument flight rules flight plan through those conditions. The airplane was not approved for known icing conditions. While en route, the pilot advised air traffic control that the airplane had encountered icing, and requested a lower altitude. The controller approved a descent to the lowest altitude permitted by terrain clearance requirements. After contacting the next en route controller, the pilot again noted icing, and again requested a lower altitude; however, the controller could not approve a further descent due to the same terrain clearance requirements, but authorized a turn. Subsequently, based upon information from another pilot, the controller advised the pilot that he could climb to try to exit the top of the clouds, which the pilot accepted. The airplane began a climb, but the pilot then radioed, "we're going down." When requested by the controller, the pilot confirmed that the airplane was again accumulating ice. Postcrash examination of the airplane revealed no mechanical anomalies, and its trajectory through the trees was consistent with a stall/spin.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Human factors
First missed decision gate
Pilot should have avoided flight in known icing conditions.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • ADS-B / radar
  • Photos
  • 9 docket documents
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents9

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