Recent Caravan Fatals Draw NTSB Concern

Two recent fatal accidents in icing conditions involving Cessna Caravans prompted the NTSB to issue more recommendations for the turboprop single. The Safety Board wants the FAA to require that operators maintain at least 120 knots when flying in icing conditions. The NTSB also wants Caravans to be prohibited from operating in more than light icing conditions and flown manually when in icing conditions. The recommendations follow a review of more than 26 icing-related events in Cessna 208s, in addition to accidents on Oct. 6, 2005, in Canada (killing the pilot) and Nov. 19, 2005, in Russia (killing the two pilots and six passengers).