Accident Summary
A private pilot with an instrument rating was conducting a night cross-country flight under instrument flight rules (IFR) into forecasted icing conditions. The aircraft was operating in an area of reported freezing rain, ice pellets, fog, and drizzle. While turning from base to final approach, control was lost. Both occupants were killed.
Flight History
The pilot departed on the night IFR cross-country flight with knowledge of the forecasted icing conditions. Upon approaching the destination airport, the pilot requested a lower altitude in an attempt to break out of the weather. After being assigned an altitude of 3,100 feet and receiving clearance for the instrument landing system (ILS) approach, the pilot canceled IFR during the descent and continued visually for the airport.
Weather Conditions
At the time of the accident, the aircraft was operating in an area where freezing rain, ice pellets, fog, and drizzle were reported. The pilot had been aware of the forecasted weather conditions prior to departure.
Probable Cause
The official probable cause was the pilot's continued flight into known adverse weather conditions, and the ensuing inadvertent stall. Factors included the icing conditions, the fog, the drizzle, the dark night light conditions, and the pilot's disregard for the forecasted weather conditions.