NTSB Says Amount Of Ice On The Airplane May Never Be Known

The pilot of a Socata TMB700 which went down in the median of an Interstate highway in New Jersey reported icing conditions prior to the accident, but the NTSB says how much ice had accumulated on the airplane may never be known.

NTSB YouTube Image

In a briefing for the media Wednesday, Lead Investigator Ralph Hicks said the pilot had climbed to about FL180 when he reported to ATC that he was picking up ice. Hicks said at least one commercial air crew also reported icing conditions in the general area and time of the accident. He said it was not known if the pilot obtained a weather briefing prior to the flight.

Hicks said the main portions of the airplane had been recovered and moved to a secure location in Delaware, where it will be examined. He said the airplane's maintenance records and the pilot's records are also under review.

Hicks said that witness testimony is very consistent in describing a "descending spiral" prior to impact. He said some witnesses are being contacted for second interviews.

Along with the FAA, Transport Canada and the French agency BEA are parties to the investigation. The Socata is of French origin, and it was powered by a Pratt & Whitney Canada turboprop engine.

A preliminary report is scheduled to be released next week.

FMI: www.ntsb.gov