Flight and Weather Briefing
The pilot of a single-engine aircraft obtained a full weather briefing and an IFR clearance for a flight from Grand Marais, Minnesota to Des Moines, Iowa. According to the pilot, the flight was uneventful except for stronger-than-forecast headwinds aloft. En route, the pilot received two in-flight weather advisories but decided to continue to Des Moines.
Icing Conditions
The National Weather Service reported that forecasted—and known—icing conditions existed throughout the route of flight. Several FAA weather briefing personnel stated that the pilot was warned of icing conditions during all contacts with the Flight Service Station. Despite these warnings, the pilot continued the flight until the aircraft began accumulating rime ice. Only then did the pilot request vectors to a nearby airport for a precautionary landing.
Landing and Post-Accident Inspection
As the aircraft crossed the runway threshold, the pilot reduced power, and the aircraft struck the runway nose first. The nose gear collapsed upon impact, causing damage to the propeller and engine mounts. A post-accident inspection of the aircraft revealed the presence of ice along the leading edge of the wings.