What happened
The pilot initially made three in-flight contacts with the Denver Automated Flight Service Station (AFSS), during which he was advised of forecast turbulence and icing conditions along his route. During these communications, the pilot was informed that Visual Flight Rules (VFR) flight was not recommended because other pilots had reported cloud bases at ground level.
Due to deteriorating weather, the pilot landed at Colorado Springs. While on the ground, he obtained three additional telephone briefings from the AFSS. The final briefing indicated that while VFR conditions were being reported at both Colorado Springs and his destination, Centennial Airport, a band of level one precipitation was crossing his intended route. Despite receiving advice not to attempt VFR flight, the pilot took off for the 30-minute flight to Centennial Airport.
A witness near the accident site reported hearing a low-flying airplane pass over his residence, followed shortly by a loud noise and an observed fire. At the time of the event, heavy snow was falling and visibility was less than 1/4 mile. Additionally, a local resident reported scraping a thin layer of ice from their windshield at 1955.
No information regarding aircraft registration or specific aircraft type was provided in the source text.