Weather and Mechanical Issues Blamed for Idaho Plane Crash

SAN JOSE, Calif. (AP) — Federal investigators have concluded that the crash of a small plane in the mountains of Idaho that killed a San Jose man and four members of his family was caused by icing conditions that led to engine failure. The San Francisco Chronicle cites a National Transportation Safety Board report that says the single-engine Beechcraft Bonanza piloted by Dale Smith was not suited for the blustery conditions. Investigators could not determine whether Smith had obtained weather information before the flight.

The Dec. 1 crash killed the 51-year-old Smith, his son Daniel, his daughter-in-law Sheree, daughter Amber and her fiance, Jonathan Norton. The family had taken off from Baker City, Oregon, where they had spent the Thanksgiving holiday, and were flying to Butte, Montana. The wreckage wasn't found until Jan. 10.