Flight Details
The airplane was on the final approach segment of an instrument flight rules (IFR) cross-country flight that had originated approximately 3 hours and 45 minutes prior to the accident. Radio communications with the aircraft were lost during this phase. The wreckage was located the following day about 2.8 miles from the destination airport.
Accident Sequence
The airplane impacted terrain in a vertical descent and flat attitude. It came to rest upright on its fuselage and wings. The cockpit and cabin remained intact, and both wing assemblies stayed attached to the fuselage. No evidence of forward velocity or leading edge deformation was observed on the wings or fuselage.
Air traffic control (ATC) transcripts indicate that shortly after entering a holding pattern at 11,000 feet, the pilot was issued an approach clearance for the ILS. The pilot acknowledged the clearance, and approximately two minutes later, ATC communications with the pilot were lost.
Weather and Icing
At the time of the accident, weather conditions were reported as low ceilings and low visibility due to snow and mist. The accident occurred during dark night conditions. Mixed ice was noted along the leading edge of both wings. Pilots flying the ILS approach prior to the accident aircraft reported mixed icing during the descent and final approach.
Pilot Information
Pilot logbook records showed a total flight time of approximately 1,987 hours. In the six-month period preceding the accident, the pilot logged approximately 40 hours total time, 9 hours of actual instrument time, and 7 instrument approaches in the accident airplane. The pilot’s total night flying experience was approximately 51 hours, with no entries indicating night flying in the six-month period before the accident.
Examination
Postaccident examination of the aircraft revealed no evidence to indicate a mechanical malfunction or failure.