Flight History
The pilot was operating under an IFR flight plan and had received a briefing about hazardous icing conditions along the expected route before departure. After the aircraft accumulated ice, the pilot reversed course. He descended below the minimum en route altitude (MEA) but was able to remain clear of terrain until turning southeast toward Cortez, which led the aircraft over higher terrain.
Loss of Contact
Due to the aircraft’s altitude, direct radio communication with Denver Center was lost. Denver Center used an airliner as a relay to maintain contact until all communication ceased at 0927 MST. A search was initiated, and the aircraft was located three hours after radar contact was lost, aided by the aircraft’s emergency locator transmitter (ELT).
Aircraft Information
The pilot’s handbook for the Beech 35 contains a warning stating that flight in known icing conditions is prohibited.
Wreckage Examination
Examination of the wreckage showed that the aircraft struck tall pine trees in a wings-level attitude with a nose-down angle of 10 to 15 degrees. The aircraft came to rest in a densely forested, snow-covered area between two large pine trees. Shoulder harnesses were not installed in the aircraft.