Flight Background
The passenger reported that the flight was delayed a day due to weather. She was scheduled to attend a class at the destination on the day of the accident. Prior to departure, icing advisories were issued to the pilot for his planned route, with temperatures aloft ranging from -6 to -8 degrees Celsius. The pilot informed the passenger about the icing conditions before departure and assured her they could deviate if needed.
In-Flight Events
During the flight, while in instrument meteorological conditions (IMC) at 9,000 feet, the pilot radioed that he had experienced a partial loss of engine power and requested vectors to the nearest airport. Columbus Approach initially provided a vector to an airport approximately 12.5 miles northeast, within gliding range. The controller believed that airport would be visual flight rules (VFR) and that the flight would benefit from a tailwind. Subsequently, the flight was vectored to an airport about 17.5 miles southwest, which was IFR and had several pilot reports of icing conditions. Minutes later, Columbus Approach provided a vector back to the initial northeast airport, followed shortly by a vector to a third airport approximately 12.5 miles southeast. The airplane crashed about 6 miles from the third airport.
Wreckage Examination
Inspection of the spark plug electrodes revealed a condition consistent with a rich mixture. One-half-inch-thick pieces of ice, matching the leading edges of the wings, were observed in the vicinity of the wreckage. The airplane was not approved for icing conditions.
ATC Considerations
The ATC handbook stated that certain weather phenomena may deserve weighted consideration when recommending an emergency airport; the pilot may elect to fly further to an airport with VFR conditions.