Preflight and Departure
The pilot received a weather briefing before takeoff and was advised of ice pellets, clear icing, and moderate to severe turbulence in western Pennsylvania. After takeoff, the pilot obtained an IFR clearance at 1144 EST and was eventually cleared to climb to 13,000 feet.
Inflight Events
During the climb, the pilot inquired about cloud tops and was advised they exceeded FL280. At 1202 EST, while climbing through approximately 11,800 feet, the pilot requested clearance to return to the departure airport. The pilot was cleared to turn to 090 degrees while ATC coordinated an IFR clearance back to the airport.
At 1203 EST, ATC asked the pilot if he was having any difficulty. The pilot replied that he was picking up ice and experiencing a problem with his attitude indicator.
Loss of Contact
At approximately 1204 EST, the pilot was given a frequency change. Shortly thereafter, radio and radar contact were lost.
Witness and Wreckage
Before the aircraft crashed, a witness observed it tumbling with one wing missing. The left wing and pieces of the empennage were found approximately one-half to one and one-quarter miles from the main wreckage, with evidence of positive overload.