Incident Narrative
The pilot of a single-engine aircraft was briefed about the potential for light to moderate rime icing in clouds and precipitation above the freezing level before departure. The freezing level was forecast to be between 7,000 and 9,000 feet in the area of Prescott, sloping downward to the north. The pilot did not file a flight plan but received VFR flight following after becoming en route.
During the flight, the pilot obtained additional weather information and indicated he would proceed to Cedar City. At one point, he erroneously reported his altitude. Later, when asked by air traffic control, the pilot stated that the aircraft was not accumulating ice, despite the dark night conditions.
At 1962 Mountain Standard Time, the pilot inquired about the distance to Cedar City and was informed that it was at his one o'clock position, 23 miles away. He acknowledged the transmission, which was his last known communication. Shortly thereafter, contact with the aircraft was lost, and it collided with trees on wooded terrain at an elevation of approximately 8,050 feet. The wreckage path extended over a 900-foot area.
Weather Information
The weather recorded at Cedar City (elevation 5,622 feet) at 1950 MST included scattered clouds at 1,500 feet, an overcast ceiling at 3,000 feet, and visibility of 10 miles. However, instrument meteorological conditions were reported about 15 miles south of the airport.
Pilot Background
The pilot had received an instrument flight rules rating three months earlier and had logged 4.7 hours of actual instrument weather time. The aircraft was not certified for instrument flight.
No pre-impact mechanical problems were found with the aircraft.