Background
A pilot was flying en route to Copenhaver Ranch Airstrip. During the flight, the pilot entered an area of rapidly building cumulus clouds. In an attempt to fly over the top of the clouds, he climbed to 14,500 feet. However, the clouds were building faster than the aircraft could climb, and he inadvertently entered the cloud formation.
Icing Encounter and Descent
Soon after entering the clouds, the pilot encountered icing conditions. As ice began to accumulate on the aircraft, he entered a rapid dive to approximately 9,000 feet. Upon leveling off, ice continued to accumulate, and the pilot felt that the aircraft was near stalling. At that time, he saw an opening in the clouds and observed what he thought was Box Lake.
Attempt to Escape Instrument Conditions
The pilot descended through the hole in the clouds and found himself in a heavy snowstorm over the lake. He flew around the lake several times but could not find a way to escape the instrument meteorological conditions. With ice continuing to accumulate, the pilot made the decision to attempt a precautionary landing near the shoreline of the lake.
Precautionary Landing and Accident
During the touchdown on snow that was later determined to be more than ten feet thick, the aircraft collided with hidden obstructions and flipped over. The pilot was ultimately rescued two days later by snowmobilers who inadvertently came across the wreckage.