Incident Overview
A pilot flying under instrument flight rules (IFR) reported encountering icing conditions during a flight that passed near Concord, New Hampshire. According to the pilot's statement, the weather information received for Bangor indicated possible icing below 10,000 feet, which the pilot initially considered not significant.
Icing Encounter
The pilot observed ice accumulating on the leading edges and windshield, and a significant reduction in airspeed. Despite the conditions, the pilot expected the ice to dissipate upon descending to lower altitudes. However, the icing conditions persisted.
Landing Attempt
During the landing approach, the pilot experienced poor forward visibility. Instead of flying the aircraft to the ground as recommended, the pilot attempted to gauge height by looking through the side window. This led to a misjudgment of the aircraft's altitude above the ground.
Stall and Landing
The pilot applied the first notch of flaps (10 degrees). Immediately after, the airplane stalled. It then landed on the nose gear and came to a stop after bouncing.
Manufacturer Guidance
The Pilot Operating Handbook for the aircraft states: "Flight into icing conditions is prohibited." It further advises that the best procedure to avoid icing is to turn back or change altitude to escape the conditions.