Accident Overview
An uncertificated student pilot, accompanied by a passenger, conducted a cross-country flight after monitoring weather conditions for three days. The pilot checked automated weather reports from a nearby airport and determined conditions were suitable for the flight.
In-Flight Ice Accumulation
During the climb to cruise altitude, the pilot noticed specks of ice on the windscreen. Shortly thereafter, ice accumulated rapidly on the airplane, obscuring the windscreen. The pilot sighted an airstrip ahead and to the left and initiated a rapid descent to set up for a landing.
Landing Attempts and Go-Arounds
Approaching the airstrip, the pilot determined he was still too fast and too high to land, so he executed a go-around. On the second landing attempt, the airplane felt very heavy and sluggish. As the pilot slowly reduced throttle, the airplane began to lose altitude rapidly. He attempted another go-around, but the engine backfired and lost power.
Forced Landing and Damage
The pilot landed the airplane just past the end of the airstrip on a dirt road. During the landing, the right wing struck a power line guy wire, causing the airplane to spin to the right and hit a road sign. The right wing and empennage sustained substantial damage.
Pilot's Statement
The pilot reported no preaccident mechanical anomalies with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.