Incident Overview
A pilot was briefed on flight precautions for instrument flight rules (IFR) conditions, thunderstorms, and occasional moderate rime icing before departure. During the climb, the pilot informed air traffic control (ATC) of trouble with the aircraft's vacuum system and that he was disoriented. ATC cleared the pilot for altitudes he could use and began providing no-gyro vectors.
Weather and Divert Decision
A weather check revealed no airports within 100 miles reporting visual flight rules (VFR) conditions. The pilot elected to divert for an instrument landing system (ILS) approach to runway 17R at Will Rogers World Airport.
Approach and Crash
As the flight continued, the pilot reported starting to "pick up a little ice" and having difficulty climbing. With ATC assistance, he made an ILS approach but was too high to make a normal landing. The pilot was instructed to climb and turn right for a missed approach, but the aircraft turned left to an easterly heading and crash landed near the center of the airport with the landing gear down and flaps retracted.
Post-Impact Fire and Ice Evidence
The landing gear collapsed on impact. The aircraft slid 330 feet and stopped on runway 17L. It then burned, destroying the vacuum hoses, vacuum regulator, and most of the attitude indicator. The vacuum pump was found still operable. Despite the fire, pieces of thick ice were found on the left wing. The aircraft was not equipped for flight into known icing conditions.