About 1752 eastern time, a Rockwell 500S crashed while on approach to Quonset State Airport, killing the pilot. The flight was inbound to Newport State Airport and cleared for the Localizer Runway 22 approach, circle to runway 34. However, the pilot flew through the localizer and reported he was having all sorts of problems. The controller said the weather was better at Green State Airport, and the pilot requested vectors there. The pilot was unable to get established on the approach, again reporting, I have problems. The controller asked what kinds of problems he was having, and the pilot replied, Im all over the place. I think Im iced up. The controller suggested heading for Quonset, which was four miles away. The pilot replied, Give me something. Radar and radio communication was then lost. One witness reported the airplane descending at a 45-degree angle to the ground. Weather reports in the area included temperatures a few degrees above freezing, light rain, low ceilings, and visibilities of 6-8 miles.
February 17, Exeter, R.I. / Rockwell Twin Commander
About 1752 eastern time, a Rockwell 500S crashed while on approach to Quonset State Airport, killing the pilot. The flight was inbound to Newport State Airport and cleared for the Localizer Runway 22 approach, circle to runway 34. However, the pilot flew through the localizer and reported he was having all sorts of problems. The controller said the weather was better at Green State Airport, and the pilot requested vectors there. The pilot was unable to get established on the approach, again reporting, I have problems. The controller asked what kinds of problems he was having, and the pilot replied, Im all over the place. I think Im iced up. The controller suggested heading for Quonse...
Key Takeaways:
- A Rockwell 500S crashed, killing the pilot, after experiencing and reporting "all sorts of problems" and suspected icing during instrument approaches.
- The pilot struggled to get established on approaches to multiple airports, stating "Im all over the place" and believing the aircraft was "iced up."
- Radar and radio communication were lost after the pilot was vectored towards Quonset State Airport, with the aircraft observed descending at a 45-degree angle.
- Weather conditions included temperatures slightly above freezing with light rain and low ceilings, which could still lead to icing conditions.
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