What happened
The pilot obtained weather briefings at 11:14 and 12:20. During these briefings, he was advised against conducting visual flight rules (VFR) operations due to low ceilings and reduced visibility in western Missouri, as well as eastern and northeastern Kansas. Despite these warnings, the pilot received a special VFR clearance to depart at 13:00.
At 13:30, witnesses observed the aircraft flying at a low altitude overhead. Shortly after this observation, the aircraft climbed upward and entered a layer of fog. Moments later, the witnesses heard an explosion, indicating a crash or structural failure.