Incident Details
The aircraft sustained substantial damage during a precautionary landing following ice accumulation experienced in cruise flight. The pilot had received a full weather briefing the previous night and updated weather on the day of the flight. The flight plan was amended to avoid an area of heavy precipitation.
Weather and Icing
During cruise flight, the aircraft began to accumulate ice. Other aircraft along the route reported icing conditions at altitudes both above and below the accident aircraft's altitude. The rate of ice accumulation increased, prompting the pilot to contact air traffic control and request a climb clearance, which was granted. However, the airplane was unable to climb higher than approximately 8,000 feet mean sea level. The heated windscreen proved insufficient to maintain clear visibility as the ice accumulated rapidly.
Precautionary Landing
The pilot contacted ATC and requested immediate vectors to the nearest airport. Upon arrival, the pilot executed a precautionary landing. The runway was snow-covered with a layer of ice beneath the snow, and the windscreen remained iced over. During the landing roll, the aircraft slid off the runway and struck a snowbank, causing substantial damage.
Postaccident Examination
A postaccident examination of the aircraft revealed no anomalies. The aircraft was equipped and certified for flight into known icing conditions.