What happened
A commercial certificated pilot began a preflight inspection of the aircraft at 0815 in preparation for a scheduled VFR domestic passenger flight to a remote village. The flight was initially delayed by poor weather, characterized by freezing fog and mist with visibilities between 1/2 and 3/4 mile, and ceilings ranging from 100 to 1,100 feet.
At 1309, after weather conditions improved to a visibility of 4 miles in patchy fog and a ceiling of 500 feet broken, the pilot departed under a Special VFR clearance. Approximately 4 miles from the airport, the pilot encountered deteriorating weather and elected to return to the airfield. Because instrument meteorological conditions were present in the surrounding Class E airspace, the pilot was required to hold outside the surface area while awaiting a new Special VFR clearance.
Upon being cleared back into the surface area, the pilot reported that the airplane's windshield had become iced over, obscuring the view of the runway, though hangars remained visible through the side window. As the pilot attempted a left turn toward the southeast, the engine began to run rough and lost power. Despite the application of full power, the aircraft continued to lose altitude. The pilot deployed the flaps and performed an emergency landing on snow-covered terrain. The impact resulted in no injuries, but the nose gear was sheared off and the outboard end of the right wing sustained rib damage.
The investigation
An FAA inspector at the accident scene observed approximately 1/8 inch of ice accumulation on the aircraft. Post-accident examination of the airplane revealed no mechanical malfunctions occurring prior to the impact. An engine test stand evaluation showed the engine produced 2,750 rpm.