Accident Narrative
The pilot reported that while climbing through 13,200 feet on an IFR clearance in instrument meteorological conditions, the engine "choked once" and immediately quit. He noted approximately 1/2 inch or more of rime ice on the airplane. He established best-glide airspeed and selected the closest airport on his GPS. Breaking out of the clouds at approximately 8,000 feet, he saw the airport ahead.
Emergency Landing
During an attempted engine restart, the pilot did not use the auxiliary fuel pump to prime the engine as specified in the "Engine Failure During Flight" checklist from the Pilot Operating Handbook. Instead of setting up for a landing, he flew directly to the middle of the airport. As he approached, he lowered the landing gear. He realized he was at a low altitude (approximately 750 feet above ground) but attempted a 180-degree turn to reach the airport beneath him.
Damage and Examination
The airplane landed in a field and rolled into the airport's perimeter fence, then nosed over. Damage included the vertical stabilizer, right wing, and fuselage. A postaccident examination included a successful engine ground run, and no preaccident anomalies were identified with the airplane or engine.