Flight Details
An instrument-rated private pilot was conducting a cross-country flight in instrument meteorological conditions (IMC). Approximately 40 minutes after departure, the pilot reported to air traffic control (ATC) that he was experiencing icing conditions at his cruise altitude of 13,000 feet and requested a lower altitude. ATC cleared the pilot to descend to 11,000 feet. The pilot continued to encounter icing and was subsequently cleared to descend to even lower altitudes.
About 15 minutes after the initial icing report, the pilot transmitted "headed towards the runway" followed by "...going down...troubles with engine." No further communications were received from the pilot.
Wreckage and Examination
The wreckage was located later that day in an open field approximately 2 miles west of a private airstrip. A post-accident examination of the airframe and engine revealed no evidence of mechanical malfunction or anomaly. Ground scars and wreckage signatures were consistent with a stall/mush into the terrain.
Weather and Icing Conditions
Weather forecasts and pilot reports for the intended route indicated icing and widespread IMC. The pilot had received a weather briefing prior to the flight, but it was limited by his request to wind, temperature aloft forecasts, and METAR observations for his route.
Safety Information
FAA Advisory Circular 91-51A states, in part, "The most hazardous aspect of structural icing is its aerodynamic effects. Ice can alter the shape of an airfoil. This can cause control problems, change the angle of attack at which the aircraft stalls, and cause the aircraft to stall at a significantly higher airspeed..." The AC additionally states, "Flight into known or potential icing situations without thorough knowledge of icing and its effects and appropriate training and experience in use of deice and anti-ice systems should be avoided." According to the manufacturer, the airplane was not certified or equipped for flight into known icing conditions.
It is probable that the airplane was unable to maintain an adequate airspeed during the descent for landing and stalled short of the runway.