Incident Overview
A single-engine aircraft (type and registration not specified) made a controlled hard emergency landing in an open pasture after encountering icing conditions. The pilot was performing a turn during an instrument approach procedure when he noticed the aircraft beginning to stall and buffet, with sluggish roll response.
Pilot Actions
To maintain control, the pilot pitched down and initiated a descent to search for a suitable landing area. He descended rapidly to 7,500 feet MSL, then reduced the sink rate with power but continued descending. Through breaks in the clouds, he managed to maintain ground contact and finally broke out below a 100-foot ceiling.
Landing Sequence
The pilot executed a landing approach at 80 knots with full power, nose high, and wings level, touching down in a pasture. The landing was hard, and the right main landing gear failed during the rollout. Approximately 100 feet after initial impact, the aircraft struck a fence. Subsequently, the nose gear failed, the propeller dug into the ground, and the aircraft nosed over 156 feet from the touchdown point.
Occupants and Egress
The occupants were not injured and exited the aircraft through a window because the doors were jammed shut.