What happened
The pilot initiated a return flight after receiving weather forecasts indicating ceilings below VFR minimums, accompanied by fog and drizzle from a slow-moving cold front. During the flight, the aircraft encountered conditions that led to carburetor icing, resulting in a partial loss of engine power.
In response to the weather, the pilot diverted to a nearby airport. Eyewitnesses at the airfield observed the aircraft performing sharp left turns at an altitude of less than 200 feet AGL. During these low-level maneuvers, the pilot reportedly kept both carburetor heat controls on in an attempt to maintain visual contact with the runway. Witnesses further observed the airplane's nose drop before the left wing impacted the terrain near the approach end of Runway 17. It was later determined that the aircraft was attempting to land with a tailwind.
Findings
An investigation into the flight conditions revealed that the ambient temperature of 46 degrees Fahrenheit and a dew point of 43 degrees Fahrenheit placed the aircraft in conditions for serious icing while operating at cruise power. According to a passenger, the pilot continued to manipulate the power settings until the airspeed dropped sufficiently to cause a stall.