Incident Summary
During a nighttime IFR arrival, the pilot requested and was cleared for the VOR/DME-A approach, despite the airplane not being equipped with DME. The pilot was cleared to descend and maintain 4,200 feet MSL until reaching the VOR. After reaching the VOR, the pilot began a procedure turn to intercept the inbound course of 105 degrees. At that point, the airplane began losing altitude. The pilot applied full power but was unable to maintain altitude.
Flight Details
Radar data indicated that after starting the procedure turn, the airplane crossed the inbound radial, heading east, and continued for 13 miles. The pilot then turned south to intercept the inbound course, but the airplane continued to descend. The aircraft ultimately crashed on a rising mountain slope approximately 15 miles northwest of the airport at an elevation of about 2,300 feet MSL. The minimum descent altitude for the approach was 2,360 feet MSL. No preimpact mechanical problems were found.
Weather Conditions
Surface temperature and dew point were 43°F and 40°F, respectively, conditions conducive to carburetor icing. A passenger reported that they encountered severe carburetor icing and possible en route structural icing. The pilot cycled carburetor heat off and on as ice was burned off and used the airspeed indicator as an ice indicator.
Aftermath
Further details regarding the accident have not been released.