What happened
During a flight conducted under instrument flight rules and instrument meteorological conditions, a flight instructor and a student pilot were operating an aircraft that began accumulating light rime ice. After completing a VOR approach and initiating a missed approach procedure, the crew set the power for a climb at 130 knots indicated airspeed with the intention of reaching 5000 feet.
As the aircraft ascended, the crew encountered freezing rain. This weather change caused the ice accumulation to increase from light to moderate levels. Despite the fact that all onboard de-icing systems were fully operational, the aircraft's airspeed began to deteriorate, and the crew found themselves unable to maintain their altitude.
Recognizing that continuing to the destination airport was no longer a viable option, the instructor executed a forced landing in an open field. During the descent and touchdown, the aircraft bounced multiple times before coming to a complete stop. The impact resulted in substantial damage to the airplane, specifically affecting the firewall, the forward pressure bulkhead, and causing puncture holes in the skin of the aircraft. Prior to the encounter with freezing rain, no mechanical failures or operational anomalies were reported.
Findings
- The aircraft encountered freezing rain during the climb phase.
- Moderate ice accumulation occurred despite the active use of all available de-icing systems.