Preflight and Weather
The pilot obtained preflight weather briefings that forecast icing conditions along the route and at the destination. The aircraft was not certificated or equipped for flight in icing conditions.
Flight and Descent
While approaching the destination airport, the pilot reported encountering moderate rime icing conditions during descent. Approximately 35 minutes later, while on final approach, the aircraft was observed to slow to a ground speed of 65 knots and enter a rapid descent.
Witness Observations
Witnesses saw the aircraft descend from the clouds in a nose-down attitude. It then pitched up to a nose-high attitude and entered a spin to the right, from which it crashed.
Postcrash Examination
A postcrash examination of the aircraft structure, flight controls, engine, propeller, and aircraft systems revealed no evidence of precrash failure or malfunction. The medical examiner reported no findings indicating precrash incapacitation of the pilot or passenger.