Flight Details
The accident involved a Mooney M20C, a carbureted single-engine airplane, on a night instrument flight rules (IFR) cross-country flight. The two pilots onboard held instrument ratings. The owner pilot, seated in the right seat, held a commercial pilot certificate and a flight instructor certificate for single-engine land airplanes. The left-seat pilot held a private pilot certificate for single-engine land airplanes.
Weather Briefings
Prior to departure, the pilots received three weather briefings. They were advised of light to moderate mixed icing conditions from the 6,000-foot freezing level to 18,000 feet. The aircraft was not approved for flight in known icing conditions.
In-Flight Events
While cruising at 12,000 feet, the pilots reported experiencing light rime icing conditions in a radio exchange with Flight Service Station (FSS). The pilot requested a climb to 14,000 feet, but during the climb asked to descend back to 12,000 feet. Shortly thereafter, he stated that he had engine problems and requested vectors to the nearest airport. Radar vectors were provided toward two airports in Redding, California.
Emergency Descent and Collision
Ten minutes into the emergency descent, the pilot stated that they were still in instrument meteorological conditions (IMC) but that 'the icings melted off.' During the descent, they reported having no engine power. The aircraft collided with power lines approximately 1.6 miles from the Benton Redding Airport.