Truckee TBM 960 Crash in Icing Conditions 30 March 2024

Summary

A 2022 Daher TBM 960 aircraft crashed at Truckee Airport during an instrument approach in icy conditions with visibility below minimums. The flight was on autopilot, attempting a missed approach when it spiraled into a crash at nearly 11,000 ft per minute. The accident resulted in two fatalities and raised concerns about the aircraft's anti-icing capabilities and the pilot's decision to attempt the approach in severe weather, highlighting the risks of flying in such conditions.

Takeaways

• ✈️ A 2022 Daher TBM 960 aircraft crashed at Truckee Airport during an instrument approach in icing conditions.
• 🌨️ The weather at the time was below minimums with calm winds, low visibility, and snowing conditions.
• 🛫 The aircraft departed from Denver's Centennial Airport and was returning to Truckee, where it was based.
• 😔 The crash resulted in two fatalities, with both occupants of the aircraft losing their lives.
• 📉 The ADS-B data showed the aircraft attempted a missed approach, climbing briefly before losing control.
• 🗺️ The aircraft's flight path involved a right-hand turn during the missed approach, followed by a rapid descent.
• 🧊 Severe icing conditions were likely a contributing factor, potentially overwhelming the aircraft's deicing capabilities.
• 📡 The aircraft was on autopilot throughout most of the flight, which can mask changing aerodynamic conditions due to icing.
• 📉 The aircraft crashed onto railroad tracks near the airport after failing to climb adequately during the missed approach.
• 📑 Investigators will look into whether icing or loss of control was the primary cause of the accident, along with the pilot's experience and the aircraft's recent flight history.

Q & A

What type of aircraft was involved in the accident at Truckee Airport?

A 2022 Daher TBM 960, a single-engine turboprop aircraft.

What was the owner-operator of the aircraft?

The owner-operator was Avam Enterprises LLC.

What was the tail number of the aircraft?

The tail number was November 960 Lima Papa.

How many fatalities were there in the accident?

There were two fatalities, both occupants on board.

Where did the aircraft depart from before the accident?

The aircraft departed from Denver's Centennial Airport.

What was the aircraft attempting when the accident occurred?

The aircraft was attempting an instrument approach in icing conditions with weather below minimums.

What was the weather condition at the time of the accident?

The weather was reported as calm winds, 1/2 mile visibility, snowing, overcast at 900 feet, with a temperature of -1°C and a dew point of -1°C.

What was the aircraft's final position before the crash?

The aircraft was found on the railroad tracks next to Glennshire Drive and Olympic Boulevard, just north of the airport.

What approach procedure was the aircraft following before the accident?

The aircraft was following the LP (Localizer Performance) MDA approach for Runway 20 at Truckee Airport.

What are the minimum visibility requirements for the LP MDA approach at Truckee Airport?

The minimum visibility requirement for the LP MDA approach is 1 mile.

What was the reported visibility at the time of the accident compared to the approach requirement?

The reported visibility at the time of the accident was 1/2 mile, which is below the required 1 mile for the LP MDA approach.

What is the significance of the airworthiness directive 98422 mentioned in the script?

Airworthiness directive 98422 provides guidelines on the hazards of flying in icing conditions, especially when the conditions exceed those for which the airplane is certified.

Why is the use of autopilot prohibited in severe icing conditions according to the directive?

The use of autopilot is prohibited in severe icing conditions because it may mask the tactile cues that indicate adverse changes in the handling characteristics of the aircraft, leading to potential loss of control.

What is the aircraft's anti-icing and deicing capability?

The aircraft is equipped with de-ice boots for flying into known icing conditions and an automatic deicing system that can turn on all anti-icing and deicing equipment if needed.

What is the potential risk of flying in severe icing conditions for turboprop aircraft?

Turboprop aircraft are generally subjected to heavier icing conditions than other types of aircraft, and the same icing conditions that may be moderate or light for an airliner can quickly develop into severe icing for a turboprop, potentially overwhelming the aircraft's anti-icing and deicing systems.