What happened
While performing a circling approach to land on runway 23, an aircraft struck the top ground line of towered power lines. The impact with the wires was followed by a subsequent impact with the terrain. The aircraft came to rest in a plowed field located approximately 2,000 feet from the runway threshold.
The pilot reported that during the initial climb, the airplane accumulated approximately 1/8 inch of rime ice. While enroute, the pilot confirmed cloud tops at 20,000 feet MSL. Upon electing to return to the airport, the aircraft accumulated an additional 1/8 inch of rime ice during the descent.
The pilot noted that as the aircraft turned final, visibility of the runway was obscured due to ice accumulation on the windshield. The pilot was not injured in the accident, and no mechanical malfunctions or failures were reported prior to the impact.
Findings
The weather briefing for the flight indicated cloud tops at approximately 8,000 feet MSL with negative icing reports. Conditions at the destination were reported as VFR with high cirrus clouds.