What happened
The pilot received a weather briefing prior to departure that advised against visual flight rules (VFR) operations across the mountainous region. Forecasts indicated significant cloud layers at San Jose, with scattered clouds at 3,000 feet, broken clouds at 4,000 feet, and overcast conditions at 9,000 feet. Visibility was reported at 10 miles with light rain present.
Approximately 36 minutes after takeoff, the aircraft was observed descending out of the cloud cover. At this point, a wing had separated from the airframe. Witnesses on the ground reported that light rain and fog were present in the area at the time of the incident. The wreckage was subsequently located in mountainous terrain, scattered over an area approximately 1.5 miles in diameter.
The investigation
Examination of the crash site revealed that the left wing and both stabilators had separated in flight. The extensive damage pattern indicated a catastrophic structural failure during the descent.
Findings
The accident occurred under marginal weather conditions despite prior warnings against VFR flight in the area. The separation of major control surfaces and the wing led to an unrecoverable loss of aircraft integrity.