Incident Overview
The pilot of an airplane reported that during the approach, at an altitude of about 5,000 feet, the aircraft began to accumulate ice 'rapidly.' The pilot stated that the ice buildup was sudden in onset and occurred over a few minutes. He noted that maintaining airspeed and altitude became difficult. The pilot subsequently broke out of clouds one to two miles from the airport at an altitude of 600 feet.
Sequence of Events
According to the pilot, once he had '...the runway made,' he lowered the landing gear. At that moment, the airplane began 'to sink and lose altitude rapidly despite my use of full power and attempts to level off.' The airplane then impacted rough terrain approximately 1/4 mile short of the approach end of the runway.
Post-Accident Inspection
Following the accident, inspection of the airplane revealed it was covered with about 2 inches of ice.
Weather Briefing Details
The pilot reported that there was no mention of icing during the weather briefing he received prior to the flight. However, a review of the Flight Service Station weather briefing that the pilot actually received indicated that the briefer informed the pilot of a SIGMET for severe icing in Michigan, with occasional severe rime mixed or clear icing in clouds and in precipitation below 8,000 feet. Additionally, the briefer informed the pilot of an AIRMET for the entire route of flight, for occasional moderate rime or mixed icing in clouds and in precipitation below 10,000 feet.