Incident Overview
While in cruise flight, the airplane encountered icing conditions. The pilot contacted Air Route Traffic Control Center (ARTCC) and requested various altitudes to avoid further icing. Despite these efforts, the airplane was unable to maintain altitude, prompting the pilot to request vectors to the nearest airport.
Approach and Landing
Approach control cleared the pilot to intercept the Instrument Landing System (ILS). As the airplane descended, the pilot flared at approximately 15 feet above the ground. The airplane then "dropped hard onto the runway." Upon adding power, the airplane drifted to the left and struck a runway light and a taxiway light.
Post-Incident Actions
The pilot reported that he was able to taxi the airplane back onto the runway and subsequently park it on the ramp. An initial inspection of the airplane revealed an accumulation of ice on the leading edges of both wings. In some places, the ice was up to 2 and 1/2 inches thick.
Inspection Findings
The presence of significant ice accumulation on the wing leading edges was documented during the initial inspection. The ice thickness reached up to 2.5 inches in certain areas, highlighting the severity of the icing conditions encountered.