Incident Description
The airplane departed on an instrument flight rules flight plan. At 2,500 feet, it entered clouds and immediately "picked up real heavy ice." The pilot activated the wing, propeller, and windshield deicing systems. The windshield's "weeping" alcohol system could not keep pace with the ice buildup, and the windshield blurred "within seconds." Ice accumulated on the wing deicing boots while they were inflated, and ice shedding from the propellers was heard throughout the flight.
The pilot requested and was cleared for a localizer approach back to the departure airport. On short final, he could see the runway out the side window, but aborted the landing. The pilot continued to an alternate airport and completed an airport surveillance radar approach. About 5 feet above the runway surface, the pilot reduced power, and the airplane "just fell from the sky." The airplane landed hard on all three landing gear simultaneously.
Weather Conditions
An AIRMET was issued for the area surrounding the departure airport and along the intended route of flight for moderate icing in clouds and precipitation below 15,000 feet, with conditions continuing throughout the day. At takeoff, the weather reported at the departure airport included an overcast ceiling at 1,300 feet, with 2½ miles of visibility in light freezing rain and mist. The temperature was 21 degrees Fahrenheit, and the dewpoint was 17 degrees Fahrenheit. The freezing rain began around the time of departure.
Additional Details
Prior to departure, the pilot did not receive a weather briefing from FAA flight service, nor did he check for pilot reports (PIREPS). Examination of delivery documents and the airplane owner's manual revealed that the airplane was not equipped with the option package that allowed for "flight in icing conditions as defined by the FAA."