What happened
The aircraft departed on an instrument flight rules flight plan. Upon reaching 2,5 and00 feet, the aircraft entered clouds and immediately encountered heavy ice accumulation. Although the pilot activated the wing, propeller, and windshield deicing systems, the windshield alcohol system could not counteract the buildup, causing the windshield to blur within seconds. Ice accumulated on the inflated wing deicing boots, and ice shedding from the propellers was audible throughout the flight.
The pilot requested and was cleared for a localizer approach back to the departure airport. During the short final phase of the approach, the pilot could see the runway through the side window but aborted the landing attempt. The flight continued to an alternate airport, where the pilot completed an airport surveillance radar approach. Approximately 5 feet above the runway surface, the pilot reduced power, at which point the aircraft fell from the sky and landed hard on all three landing gear simultaneously. There were no injuries reported.
At the time of takeoff, weather at the departure airport consisted of an overcast ceiling at 1,300 feet with 2.5 miles of visibility in light freezing rain and mist. The temperature was 21 degrees Fahrenheit with a dewpoint of 17 degrees Fahrenheit. An AIRMET had been issued for the area and the intended route for moderate icing in clouds and precipitation below 15,000 feet.
The investigation
The investigation found that prior to departure, the pilot did not receive a weather briefing from FAA flight service and did not check for pilot reports (PIREPS). Furthermore, an examination of delivery documents and the aircraft owner's manual revealed that the aircraft was not equipped with the option package required for flight in icing conditions as defined by the FAA.