Flight Plan and Weather Information
The pilot filed an IFR flight plan with a planned cruise altitude of 10,000 feet. While en route, the pilot received pilot reports indicating icing conditions existed between 8,000 and 11,000 feet. In response, the pilot requested a climb to 12,000 feet, which was approved by air traffic control.
Climb and Descent
As the aircraft climbed toward 12,000 feet, the pilot reported that it could not maintain altitude and the aircraft began a descent. During the descent, the pilot communicated that control of the aircraft was lost on two separate occasions.
Attempt to Reach an Airport
Air traffic control provided the aircraft with specific altitudes and headings intended to guide it toward an airport. Despite these efforts, the aircraft impacted terrain in an open field. The impact and a subsequent post-impact fire destroyed the aircraft.