What happened
A single-engine airplane departed with two pilots, two passengers, baggage, and equipment. After four hours of flight, the pilot decided to divert to a different airport due to encountering icing conditions. While performing a descending left turn from the base leg to the final approach for Runway 22, the aircraft dropped and struck the ground. The airplane slid 250 feet, during which time the wings were separated from the fuselage by two trees.
The investigation
The investigation revealed that at takeoff, the aircraft was 955 pounds over the maximum allowable gross weight and was 2 inches beyond the aft center of gravity (C.G.) limit. Upon calculation following the accident, the airplane was found to be approximately 6 and 600 pounds over the maximum landing weight and remained 2 inches beyond the aft C.G. limit.
Regarding aircraft configuration, the air induction lever was in the primary position rather than the alternate position required for icing conditions. Additionally, the propeller heat and stall warning heat switches were in the off position. At the time of the accident, the aircraft had been flying in light freezing rain, a condition the Pilot's Operating Handbook (POH) advises avoiding. Severe mixed icing had been reported 25 miles northwest of the airport. Winds at the airport were recorded from 150 degrees at 10 knots, gusting to 16 knots. A post-accident engine run was completed with satisfactory results.