Incident Overview
A pilot obtained two weather briefings that included forecast icing conditions before departing. The flight proceeded without incident until it arrived in the vicinity of the Kiowa VORTAC near Denver. Approach control advised the pilot of two pilot reports (PIREPs): light to moderate rime icing, and moderate to severe rime icing, reported by several aircraft. Despite these warnings, the pilot elected to continue the flight.
Accumulation of Ice
Shortly after the advisory, the pilot reported accumulating ice and requested an Instrument Landing System (ILS) approach to Denver's Stapleton International Airport. While being vectored, the pilot was unable to maintain several assigned altitudes. Subsequently, he was vectored towards Buckley Air National Guard Base, but the aircraft crashed approximately one mile short of the runway.
Post-Accident Findings
After the crash, the sheriff reported at least two inches of rime ice on the leading edges of the wings, ruddervator, and antennae. The airplane was not certified for flight into icing conditions, nor was it equipped with any deicing equipment.
Aircraft Information
The aircraft type, registration, and operator were not specified in the source. The engine count, date, time of day, weather characterization, and ATC involvement beyond the approach control advisory were also not provided. The source did not mention any injuries or fatalities.