RAYTHEON KING AIR E90, RENO, NEV., MARCH 13, 2002–The NTSB determined the probable cause of the accident was the pilot’s inadequate approach airspeed for the existing adverse meteorological conditions, followed by his delayed action to avert stalling and subsequent loss of control of the airplane. Contributing factors were reduced visibility due to the inclement weather and icing conditions.
On final approach to Reno/Tahoe International Airport (RNO), King Air N948CC stalled, rolled left and, in an uncontrolled descent, hit a commercial building about one nautical mile from the runway’s displaced threshold. The ATP-rated pilot and four passengers suffered minor injuries and a fifth passenger was seriously injured. The airplane was destroyed. At the time of the accident, 7:40 p.m., RNO was reporting 2,500 overcast, 700 broken and 1.5 miles visibility with snow showers and freezing fog. By the time the twin turboprop reached the final approach fix, the visibility had decreased to a half mile, but the pilot was not informed of this deterioration. The pilot maintained the recommended 140-knot approach speed for icing conditions until about 3.5 miles from the runway. Thereafter, the airplane’s speed gradually decreased until reaching about 75 knots. When the airplane started vibrating, the pilot increased engine power.
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