Incident Overview
An aircraft in en route flight at 7,000 feet MSL began accumulating heavy ice. The pilot executed a 180-degree turn and descended to 6,000 feet, where breaks in the clouds allowed visual contact with the ground. Upon sighting Lee County Airport, the pilot chose to perform a precautionary landing.
Landing Sequence
According to the pilot, the aircraft had become very difficult to keep flying due to ice accumulation, and forward visibility was entirely obstructed by ice on the windshield. The aircraft touched down hard, bounced, and departed the runway, eventually coming to rest in an inverted position.
Post-Landing Observations
Post-accident inspection revealed approximately 1 inch of ice on the windshield, wings, fin, and dorsal surfaces of the aircraft.