Flight Plan and Advisories
The pilot originally planned to land at Truckee but subsequently changed his destination to Lake Tahoe. Before the encounter, the pilot was advised of moderate turbulence below 18,000 feet msl. The freezing level was reported to be 9,300 feet, and rime icing was expected along the route.
Holding and Icing Encounter
En route, ATC directed the pilot to hold at the Squaw Valley VOR at an altitude of 13,000 feet and anticipated a clearance into Lake Tahoe. The pilot reported being in rime icing conditions and requested a descent to 12,000 feet. Unable to maintain altitude at 12,000 feet, he then requested 11,000 feet. ATC issued a heading change and instructed the pilot to maintain 11,000 feet.
Emergency Declaration
After receiving the heading change, the pilot requested a 180-degree turn. Shortly thereafter, he reported that he had exited the clouds and was in clear conditions but noted that he had accumulated a significant amount of ice. The pilot then declared an emergency, stating, "we're declaring an emergency I'm going down." In response, ATC provided another heading change, which the pilot acknowledged.
Last Radio Contact
The acknowledgment of the heading change was the final communication received from the pilot. No further transmissions were made.