Incident Overview
A pilot operating a single-engine airplane encountered heavy icing during cruise and was unable to maintain altitude, according to the official accident investigation source. The pilot had received a full weather briefing approximately five and a half hours before departure, which included an AIRMET for icing conditions in the area. Thirty minutes before takeoff, he obtained a weather update and was provided four pilot reports (PIREPs) describing moderate to severe icing along his intended route of flight.
In-Flight Events
During the cruise portion of the flight, the pilot reported heavy icing conditions to air traffic control. He eventually advised controllers that he was unable to maintain altitude. In response, air traffic control cleared the pilot for the Instrument Landing System (ILS) approach to the intended airport.
Approach and Landing
While flying the ILS approach, the pilot reported that the airplane had accumulated two inches of ice and was continuing to accrue more. At approximately 800 feet above ground level (AGL), he extended the landing gear. Subsequently, the pilot found he could not maintain altitude on the ILS glideslope. The airplane landed short of the runway.
Weather Information
The initial weather briefing contained an AIRMET for icing, and the pre-takeoff update included four PIREPs of moderate to severe icing. The pilot voluntarily reported heavy icing during cruise and the specific ice accumulation measurement before the landing attempt.