Accident Overview
During cruise flight at 4,000 feet mean sea level (msl), moderate ice began forming on the airplane. The pilot requested and received approval from air traffic control to climb to a higher altitude. The airplane reached 6,700 feet msl but could not climb further. The pilot maintained 6,500 feet msl until turning onto the VOR/DME approach for runway 31 at Grand Island.
Approach and Landing
While on the approach, the pilot maintained an airspeed between 125 and 140 knots. As the airplane passed over the runway, the pilot reduced the throttle from cruise power. The airplane began to descend rapidly. The pilot reported adding power, but the sink rate did not stop. The airplane touched down hard on the runway, slowly veered to the left, departed the runway, and turned 180 degrees in a field before coming to a stop.
Post-Accident Observations
After the accident, approximately 1-1/2 inches of clear ice was observed adhering to the leading edges of the wings and empennage.