Flight Details
The pilot of a cross-country flight filed an instrument flight plan to Boise, Idaho. During the flight, the pilot changed destinations twice, first to Ontario, Oregon, and later to Baker, Idaho. At 1820 Pacific Daylight Time, the pilot reported encountering airframe icing and turbulence at an altitude of 10,000 feet. The pilot was subsequently cleared for an approach to Baker, reporting additional icing during the approach.
Incident
At 1850, the pilot reported having the ground lights in sight. Shortly thereafter, a specialist at the Baker Flight Service Station sighted a fireball north of the airport. The aircraft was found approximately 7 miles north of the airport, near a highway rest stop that was equipped with high-visibility sodium vapor lights.
Wreckage Examination
Examination of the wreckage revealed that the landing gear had been extended, but the flaps were retracted. The propeller was embedded in a crater at the impact site. The propeller shaft had sheared, and both blades exhibited slight bending, chordwise scoring, and leading edge nicks. The main wreckage came to rest adjacent to the impact point. Both wings displayed severe chordwise crushing from front to rear.