Background
The pilot received three preflight briefings prior to departing on the accident flight and changed the planned departure time twice. During all three briefings, the pilot was advised of icing conditions in the area and along the planned route.
Flight
En route, the pilot reported accumulating a significant amount of ice. During the descent, the pilot reported the airport in sight and was cleared for a visual approach to runway 8.
Accident
The airplane impacted the ground about half a mile from the airport, approximately 100 feet left of the extended centerline for runway 8. Ice fragments were located at and near the main wreckage. The fragments were approximately 2 inches thick, 4.5 inches high, and shaped consistently with wing and tailplane ice accumulations.
Aircraft Examination
The airplane was not certified or equipped for flight into icing conditions. Examination of the wreckage revealed no preimpact failures or malfunctions.