Weather Briefing and Flight Planning
During the pilot's preflight weather briefing, forecast icing conditions were reported near the intended route of flight below 16,000 feet. The briefing also indicated that the route might require flying between two fronts. The pilot filed an instrument flight rules (IFR) clearance for a minimum en route altitude (MEA) of 11,000 feet. Additional information was provided that several inbound aircraft had encountered icing at 9,000 feet.
In-Flight Icing Encounter
After takeoff, 34 minutes into the flight, the pilot reported that ice was accumulating on the aircraft and that the pitot-static system had become iced over. Unable to climb to the MEA of 11,000 feet, the pilot received an approach clearance to a nearby airport. While cruising between 9,200 and 9,700 feet—an altitude well below the MEA—the pilot stated that he was still attempting to climb and was experiencing considerable ice accumulation, resulting in an opaque windshield. The pilot reported his position as 17.9 miles from the airport.
Discovery of Aircraft
In July 1995, the aircraft was located 14.5 miles from the airport at a bearing of 353 degrees. This location was not on any federal airway or route structure associated with the instrument approach procedure. The pilot had received his instrument rating three weeks prior to the accident flight.