Accident Details
At 0705 Central Standard Time, the airplane was on approach to runway 17 at Ainsworth, Nebraska. It impacted a frozen cornfield at a shallow angle on a heading of 280 degrees. The airplane skidded to a stop approximately 3,070 feet north-northeast of the approach end of runway 17. Much of the airplane was consumed by postimpact fire.
Flight History
The flight departed Lincoln, Nebraska about 0545. At 0612, the pilot reported that the airplane was picking up light, mixed ice. Subsequent reports at 0629, 0632, and 0637 indicated continued ice accumulation. At 0643, the pilot stated, "picking up lots of ice right now." At 0658, the pilot reported moderate mixed icing and freezing rain.
Weather and Equipment
Emergency responders reported that the weather conditions on the ground included freezing rain and ice, and that the roads were covered with approximately 1/4 inch of ice. Inspection of the airplane revealed no preexisting anomalies. The airplane was equipped with de-ice boots on the wings and horizontal stabilizer, and anti-icing alcohol for the propeller and windshield. The Pilot Operating Handbook limitation section contained the following warning: "Ice protection equipment which may be installed on this airplane has not been demonstrated to meet requirements for flight into known icing conditions."