Flight Preparation
The pilot obtained a weather briefing, filed a flight plan, and departed on an instrument flight rules (IFR) cross-country flight into an area where moderate icing conditions were forecast. The aircraft was not equipped or certified for flight into known icing conditions.
Inflight Icing Encounter
During the flight, the pilot encountered aircraft icing. He requested radar vectors to the nearest airport and was cleared for an instrument approach for landing.
Approach and Landing Attempt
After flying the instrument approach, the pilot circled in visual meteorological conditions (VMC) while scraping ice from the windshield to improve visibility for landing. During this maneuver, the aircraft descended below the level of the airport, which was located on a bluff. The aircraft was unable to climb to reach the runway for landing.
Impact
The aircraft impacted on the side of the bluff approximately one half mile from the runway.