Flight Details
The pilot was conducting the second leg of a long cross-country flight when the aircraft began accumulating mild rime ice on the wings and windshield. The pilot reported the icing and a "fuel situation" to air traffic control, requesting a descent. Earlier in the flight, the first leg lasted approximately three hours and 40 minutes, during which the pilot encountered unexpected high winds that slowed progress. The flight was diverted to an alternate airport for fueling. The second leg was approximately four hours and 50 minutes in length. The pilot cancelled the IFR flight plan about seven miles south of the destination airport.
Approach and Accident
A witness at the airport reported that the pilot announced intentions over the Unicom frequency, stating he was entering a left downwind for runway 17. The aircraft remained on the downwind leg longer than usual, and when it turned base to final, it was three to four miles from the runway end. The aircraft then proceeded inbound on a final approach path significantly lower than typical for that runway. When the aircraft was just over a mile from the runway and at an estimated altitude of 200 feet above ground level, it suddenly rolled steeply to the right and made a descending turn into the terrain. The pilot had been making normal position calls and did not indicate any problem with the aircraft. At the time, winds were reported from 210 degrees at 24 knots, gusting to 36 knots.
Post-Accident Inspection
Examination of the airframe and engines after the accident did not reveal evidence of a mechanical failure or malfunction.