Flight Background
The pilot departed on an instrument flight rules (IFR) flight after receiving three complete weather briefings. These briefings clearly indicated the presence of icing conditions and included numerous pilot reports of icing.
Inflight Icing Report
Approximately 40 minutes after departure, the pilot reported that about an inch of ice had accumulated on the leading edges of the wings.
Communication Loss
Ten minutes after that report, while air traffic control was vectoring the aircraft to Kankakee Airport, communication with the aircraft was lost.
Final Transmission
An overflying airliner heard the pilot transmit that he was over farmland and was picking a spot to land.
Wreckage Discovery
Shortly thereafter, a passing motorist spotted the wreckage.