Earlier Reports Saying Crash Due To Icing False

A Cessna 175 that crashed near Battle Creek, MI earlier this month probably wasn't the result of icing -- so says the NTSB. Pilot Peter Fay of Mundelein, IL died in the accident.

The preliminary report on the accident now says the pilot reported oil on his windscreen and no oil pressure on the emergency frequency before the crash.

Kalamazoo controllers heard the call and gave Fay a heading for WK Kellogg Airport (BTL) near Battle Creek. When they asked Fay if he could maintain altitude he said "no."

Controllers alerted local rescue agencies after Fay said he was going to land in a field. An aircraft passing overhead shortly thereafter reported picking up his ELT.

The weather at BTL was slowly deteriorating with snow bringing visibility down to 3/4 of a mile with a 2,700 ft ceiling.

Investigators on the scene noted the exhaust valve for the number four cylinder was seized open. No other mechanical problems were noted with the engine.

The airframe was released to the insurance company, but the NTSB is keeping the engine for further examination.

Read the preliminary report here...