Flight History
The pilot received a weather briefing via DUATS and departed with no preflight discrepancies noted on the aircraft or engine. After takeoff, the pilot activated an IFR flight plan with Flight Service Station (FSS) and received an IFR clearance 10 miles north of Palmdale. The aircraft climbed to an assigned altitude of 8,000 feet MSL, where the outside air temperature gauge read +2 degrees Celsius, and the pilot turned on pitot heat.
Weather Conditions
Over Palmdale, the aircraft encountered instrument meteorological conditions (IMC) including heavy rain, moderate turbulence, and updrafts. The pilot reduced power. Approximately one minute later, engine power was lost. The pilot completed the emergency checklist and made two restart attempts. An emergency was declared, and radar vectors were provided to Palmdale.
Forced Landing
The pilot performed a forced landing in a soggy field. During the landing roll, the nose gear separated, and the aircraft came to rest inverted.
Post-Accident Observations
Aircraft recovery personnel noted the ambient temperature at the accident site was 45 degrees Fahrenheit with rain and sleet. They discovered a piece of ice, approximately the size of a snowball, covering the fuel vent. Weather in the Palmdale vicinity at the time of the accident was reported as 1 mile visibility with rain and a broken ceiling at 3,000 feet MSL. The previous hour's observation indicated 10 miles visibility with few clouds at 3,000 feet MSL and scattered clouds at 5,000 feet MSL. Pilot reports (PIREPS) in the area from commercial aircraft indicated moderate rime ice at altitudes ranging from 11,000 to 21,000 feet MSL.