What happened
Prior to departure, the pilot was informed of the forecasted freezing level altitude. Additionally, the pilot was notified that the temperature at the departure airport was 15 degrees Fahrenheit above freezing.
During the flight, the aircraft encountered what the pilot described as light rime icing. In response to the conditions, the pilot requested to return to the departure airport. The air traffic controller suggested an alternate airport nearby that offered a non-precision instrument approach procedure.
The pilot chose to proceed toward the departure airport on an assigned heading and requested a lower altitude. The controller cleared the aircraft to cruise at 2,500 feet. During this phase of flight, the airplane struck an electrical tower and a 250 KV cable approximately 90 feet above ground level before impacting the ground. The collision occurred roughly 14.3 NM from the departure airport at a bearing of 266 degrees.
The investigation
Post-accident examination of the airframe showed no evidence of any malfunction or failure occurring prior to the impact. Furthermore, an examination of the engine revealed no evidence of pre-impact failure or mechanical malfunction.