What happened
The pilot received a weather briefing prior to departure that highlighted areas of rain showers and scattered thunderstorms along the planned route. Forecasts also indicated occasional moderate turbulence below 8000 feet. The aircraft departed Norfolk at 1500. Approximately an hour and thirty minutes later, at about 1630, the pilot contacted ARTCC to report being in heavy turbulence. This transmission marked the last known communication from the cockpit.
Subsequently, witnesses observed the aircraft spinning and tumbling before it impacted the ground. Upon inspection, it was determined that the outer panels of both wings had separated from the main structure. Moderate to heavy rain showers were present in the area where radar contact with the aircraft was lost.
The investigation
An examination of the pilot qualifications revealed that the person in the right front seat was the pilot in command. The individual seated in the left front seat held a private pilot certificate with an airplane single-engine land rating but was not instrument rated. This passenger-pilot had received his initial flight instruction from the pilot in command. His logbook entries ceased on May 2, 1981, indicating a significant gap in recent logged flight time.
Findings
The separation of the wing outer panels occurred during severe weather conditions. The presence of moderate to heavy rain showers and reported heavy turbulence suggests the aircraft encountered atmospheric forces exceeding its structural limits or control authority. The lack of instrument rating and recent flight experience for the left-seat occupant may have limited the crew's ability to navigate away from the hazardous weather effectively.