Incident Overview
A flight instructor and a pilot-rated student were conducting an instrument flight rules (IFR) training flight in instrument meteorological conditions (IMC). Throughout the flight, the airplane accumulated light rime ice. After holding at a VOR, the crew completed a VOR approach and executed the missed approach procedure. They set power to climb at 130 knots indicated airspeed, climbing to 5,000 feet.
Encounter with Freezing Rain
During the climb, they encountered freezing rain. The airspeed began to deteriorate, and the rate of ice accumulation increased from light to moderate. All de-ice systems were functioning, but the flight instructor was unable to maintain altitude. Determining that landing at the destination airport was not feasible, he executed a forced landing in an open field.
Landing and Damage
The airplane bounced several times during the landing before coming to a stop. The impact resulted in substantial damage, including damage to the firewall and forward pressure bulkhead, as well as puncture holes in the airplane skin. The pilot reported no mechanical failures or anomalies before or during the flight that would have prevented normal operation.