Incident Overview
A pilot and his pilot-rated passenger were flying from Colorado Springs, Colorado, to Farmington, New Mexico, without filing a flight plan. The flight took place at night under dark conditions, and the pilot was unable to identify the surrounding mountains. He realized that the VOR navigation instruments were inoperative and that he had become disoriented.
Divert to Closed Airport
After identifying the city lights of Dulce, New Mexico, the pilot decided to divert to the old airport there, despite the facility being closed. As he approached, he began experiencing "unusual attitudes" and the onset of vertigo while encountering snow, fog, and partial obscuration. The aircraft's windshield became "cake[d] with ice," further impairing visibility.
Approach and Landing
A controller advised the pilot of the airport's position. Although the pilot could not identify the runway, he observed a police car's flashing light and chose to land. During the landing, the aircraft veered to the left of the runway and impacted a ditch located 70 yards from the runway centerline, then nosed over.
Weather Briefing and Conditions
During weather briefings at both Farmington and Colorado Springs, the pilot was advised of an AIRMET issued for gusty winds with possible freezing rain and rime icing below 18,000 feet, as well as moderate to severe turbulence en route. These conditions were consistent with the icing and turbulence encountered during the flight.