On November 30, 1986, a Cessna 177RG (registration N7692U) was involved in an aviation accident near Colby, KS. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A non-instrument rated pilot filed an IFR flight plan, took off into low ceiling and near-freezing temperature, encountered greater than moderate structural icing, and was forced down in a farmyard five miles south of the airport. Two inches of ice found on wreckage.
Flight Planning and Departure
A non-instrument rated pilot filed an IFR flight plan after receiving a weather briefing. The briefing indicated freezing drizzle to the west that was moving toward the departure area. The airplane departed into a low ceiling with near-freezing temperature.
In-Flight Icing Encounter
During the climb, the pilot attempted to reach 9,000 feet MSL but encountered structural icing conditions. The pilot described the icing as greater than moderate. Initially, the airplane could not climb; subsequently, it could not maintain altitude.
Descent and Forced Landing
Air traffic control provided assistance by steering the airplane toward the nearest airport. However, the airplane was forced down in a farmyard, five miles south of the airport. Examination of the wreckage revealed ice two inches thick on and around the airplane.