Event Summary
While en route, the pilot amended the final destination with air traffic control (ATC). The aircraft was at 5,000 feet in the vicinity of the original destination when ATC instructed the pilot to climb to and maintain 6,000 feet. Shortly thereafter, the pilot reported a loss of engine power. The controller advised that the airport was at the pilot's 6 o'clock position and 5 miles away. The controller repeatedly instructed the pilot to turn around and make a left turn to a heading of 020 degrees. The pilot asked for the heading, which was repeated, and the pilot acknowledged with "020." When asked if he could turn to heading 020, the pilot responded, "I'm heading 220." The aircraft subsequently collided with terrain approximately 10 miles from the airport.
Pilot Background
Examination of the pilot's logbook revealed approximately 117 hours of flight experience in the 6 years prior to the accident. The pilot was not current for instrument flight rules (IFR) operations. The pilot's certified flight instructor (CFI) stated that he had recommended instrument proficiency training to the pilot 6 months before the accident.
Environmental Factors
The aircraft was in cruise flight in conditions conducive to serious icing at cruise power.
Investigation Notes
No probable cause was determined by the investigating authorities. The exact nature of the engine power loss and the sequence of events leading to the collision are part of the ongoing investigation.