Accident Overview
During an instrument flight rules (IFR) flight conducted at night, the pilot reported encountering light rime icing conditions. The aircraft was subsequently cleared to descend from 7,000 feet to 5,000 feet mean sea level (MSL). Approximately 14 minutes later, the pilot reported a loss of engine power and indicated an inability to maintain altitude. Air traffic control began vectoring the aircraft toward a nearby airport. During this vectoring, the aircraft collided with a 112-foot ham radio tower at an elevation of about 60 feet above ground level (AGL), then crashed.
Witness Observations
Witnesses reported that the engine was at idle power at the time of impact.
Investigation Findings
The investigation did not find evidence of preimpact part failure, fuel contamination, or verification of structural ice accumulation. The ham radio tower was not equipped with an identification light, and there was no regulatory requirement for such lighting.