Skylane 182/RG Turbo Skylane/RG
Flight Crew Instrument; Flight Crew Private; Flight Crew Multiengine
Flight Crew Last 90 Days 40; Flight Crew Total 255; Flight Crew Type 20
Aircraft Equipment Problem Critical; Deviation - Altitude Excursion From Assigned Altitude; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Clearance; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Published Material / Policy; Inflight Event / Encounter Weather / Turbulence
Flight Crew Took Evasive Action
Weather
I deviated from assigned altitude due to icing. I was cleared for visual and discretion to 4;000 feet MSL. As I neared 5;500 feet MSL there was little icing and we were below freezing temperature at this time. By 5;000 feet MSL I was in severe icing and rapidly building thru 4;200 feet MSL and about right at freezing. Aircraft would not hold 4;000 feet MSL and engine was struggling with induction icing. Aircraft settled to 3;000 feet MSL where temps were about 3 degrees Celsius. Icing was coming off due to warm temps and had light mist. Was not exactly sure engine was going to keep running even at the limited amount that it was. As I was struggling with engine checklist for induction icing we settled to 2;500 feet MSL then back to 3;000 feet MSL when engine was clearing out and enough ice had shed. I tried twice to contact center but was not able to get response. I heard an aircraft call me and I relayed that I had severe icing and was unable to hold 4;000 feet MSL. It was relayed back that I was still cleared visual and switch to advisory frequency was approved. Upon landing I contacted center and visited with controller with pilot report about icing.
C182 pilot encountered aircraft and induction icing during descent and was unable to hold assigned altitude. Pilot descended below the freezing level and landed visually.