Crash of a Mitsubishi MU-2-60 Marquise in McLeod: 5 killed

Date & Time: Sep 2, 1981 at 1653 LT
Type of aircraft:
Registration:
N233MA
Flight Phase:
Survivors:
No
Schedule:
Dallas - Thomson
MSN:
251
YOM:
1973
Location:
Crew on board:
1
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
4
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
5
Captain / Total flying hours:
2526
Captain / Total hours on type:
155.00
Circumstances:
While cruising at an altitude of 21,000 feet, the pilot was cleared to climb to 23,000 feet when the airplane's speed dropped about 53 knots. The airplane entered a rapid descent and was observed spinning until it crashed in a field. All five occupants were killed.
Probable cause:
Stall and rapid descent due to improper in-flight decisions. The following contributing factors were reported:
- Airframe ice,
- The pilot failed to maintain flying speed,
- Incorrect weather briefing,
- Icing conditions including sleet, freezing rain.
Final Report: