20021119031609A

(-23) On 11/19/2002, about 1910 eastern daylight time, a Socata TB20, N57TB, operated by PIC lawrence kenney crashed approximately 400 feet from rwy 5 at messena, NY (mss). Injuries to PIC and passenger were serious to critical. The flight plan was to be conducted from toronto CA (ytz) to burlington, VT (btv) by instrument flight rules, instrument meteorological conditions prevailed at the time of the crash. Post crash statement taken from the PIC by new york state police; PIC indicated that he had diverted to messena, NY (mss) because the aircraft was accumulating ice. PIC was transported to burlington, VT hospital and the passenger was transported to watertown, NY hospital. Upon arrival to the watertown, NY hospital, it was learned by new york state police the passenger had expired. PIC was listed in critical condition the following day. AIRMET (airman's meteorological information) zulu for icing was issued at 1545, and was valid for the area surrounding the accident site. The AIRMET called for occasional moderate rime to mixed icing in-clouds and in-precipitation between the freezing level and 11,000 feet. The freezing level was identified between the surface and 2,000 feet, in the vicinity of mss. Conditions were expected to end from the west to the east, between 1700 and 2200. On 11/20/02, FAA inspectors arrived at messena, NY (mss) to conduct a preliminary post crash investigation. Aircraft was observed with the left wing severely damaged and separated from fuselage by approximately 50 feet. Left wing fuel cell was also observed ruptured with no fuel remaining in the tank. An examination of the left main landing gear showed gear extended and locked. Additionally, the left wing flap was found torn away from the wing and lying adjacent to the left wing assembly. An examination of the fuselage was shown with severe damage to the under carriage of the forward section of the fuselage. Right wing was attached to fuselage with a near comlete fracture to the main spar at wing root. A preliminary inspection of the flight controls and associated linkage in the fuselage tail section and right wing appeared to be operational. Right wing fuel cell was inspected and observed with an undetermined amount of fuel remaining in the tank. There appeared to be no rupture to the right wing fuel tank at this time. Minimal damage was observed to the aircraft instruments. However, it was noted by the FAA inspector the magneto switch was shown in the "off" position. Aircraft forward two seat backs were shown fully reclined, with flooring severely damaged forward of both seats. In addition, the power plant was also shown intact to the airframe bulkhead, with damage to the under side of the engine. The top engine cowling assembly was observed laying approximately 30 feet from the left front side of the power plant. On 11/21/02, a detailed inspection of the aircraft was conducted with NTSB air safety investigator luke schiada, investigation report #NYC03FA0024.