The Airplane Subsequently Struck The Smokestack And Fell To The Rooftop

Location: Heyburn, ID Accident Number: WPR22FA151
Date & Time: April 13, 2022, 08:35 Local Registration: N928JP
Aircraft: Cessna 208B Injuries: 1 Fatal
Flight Conducted Under: Part 135: Air taxi & commuter - Non-scheduled

On April 13, 2022, about 0835 mountain daylight time, a Cessna 208B Grand Caravan, N928JP, was substantially damaged when it was involved in an accident near Heyburn, Idaho. The pilot was fatally injured. The airplane was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulation Part 135 cargo flight. According to the operator, the pilot was transporting cargo on an instrument flight rules flight from the Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC), Salt Lake City, Utah, to the Burley Municipal Airport (BYI), Burley, Idaho.

A review of air traffic control (ATC) communication with the pilot revealed the approach controller issued the pilot the current altimeter setting and verified that the pilot had the current weather and notices to airmen reports for BYI. Subsequently, the controller cleared the pilot for the RNAV runway 20 approach via the MALTT transition at BYI. The pilot reported passing the initial approach fix, and about 4 minutes later reported a missed approach. The controller then instructed the pilot to execute the published missed approached and to report established [in the hold] at IREME, and to expect the same approach.

After the pilot report established at IREME, the controller cleared the pilot for the approach. About 1 minute later, the controller asked the pilot if she had crossed the initial approach fix. The pilot initially replied negative, then subsequently replied that she had crossed the fix. The controller then approved a change to BYI advisory frequency.

Video footage recovered from a security camera located on a processing plant revealed a view of the rooftop of the processing plant, along with a smokestack supported by steel framework on the roof. Snow was observed falling. About 0832:25, the airplane came into view in a wings-level, nose-high descent. The airplane subsequently struck the smokestack and fell to the rooftop.

According to a witness, located about one quarter mile away, he first heard, then observed the airplane descend out of the clouds then immediately went into a steam cloud, which was produced from a set of six smokestacks located on the same roof. The witness heard the engine increase in sound and saw the nose lift shortly before the airplane struck the smokestack and descend to the rooftop.

The airplane came to rest on its right side. Both wings, the propeller assembly, belly pod, and the nose wheel separated from the fuselage. All major components of the airplane remained on the rooftop. First responders recovered about 40 gallons of jet fuel which had spilled from both wings. A special automated weather report for BYI about the time of the accident reported 1 mile visibility in light snow and mist, broken layer at 2,300 ft above ground level (agl), overcast at 2,800 ft agl, temperature -3°C, dew point temperature -5°C, barometric pressure 29.96 inches of mercury. An airman’s meteorological (AIRMET) information advisory was active for icing and mountain obscurations for areas that included BYI.

The airplane was recovered to a secure facility for further examination.

FMI: www.ntsb.gov