Departure and Weather
The pilot departed in visual meteorological conditions with visibility of three to four miles and high ceilings. The automated weather observing system (AWOS-3) at the airport was inoperative. The pilot did not have access to official weather prior to departure. The National Weather Service contracted observer made observations from a location about five miles south of the official weather station.
Encounter with Freezing Rain
While in cruise flight at 1,200 feet mean sea level, about five miles south of the airport, the airplane encountered freezing rain. The pilot reported rapid ice accumulation on the airframe, wings, and windshield. In an attempt to exit the icing conditions, the pilot initially changed altitude. As ice accumulation continued, the pilot elected to return to the airport.
Loss of Performance and Stall
While maneuvering to land, the airplane was unable to maintain altitude at full engine power. The pilot stated that any angle of bank resulted in the onset of pre-stall buffet. The pilot decided to land on a frozen lake south of the airport. The airplane did not reach the lake; the pilot reported that the airplane "mushed into the ground." During the flare and touchdown, the left wing stalled.
Post-Accident Examination
Examination of the airplane after the accident revealed a 1/2-inch layer of clear ice covering all upper and lower airfoil surfaces, from the leading edges to between one-third and one-half of the chord lengths. All antennas were coated with approximately 1/2 inch of clear ice. The airplane was not equipped with ice protection equipment except for pitot heat and windshield heat.