What happened
During the arrival phase of the flight, the pilot established contact with approach control and received radar vectors intended for a visual approach. While navigating these vectors, air traffic control instructed the pilot to maintain his current airspeed until reaching a point 1.5 miles from the runway threshold. The controller continued to provide vectoring adjustments as necessary until the aircraft was between 6.5 and 7 miles from the airport.
At that distance, the pilot reported sighting the airport. He was then cleared to proceed inbound for Runway 32 and instructed to keep his speed up for as long as feasible. The pilot acknowledged this instruction. Shortly thereafter, both radio and radar contact with the aircraft were lost.
Witnesses on the ground observed the aircraft flying at a speed noticeably faster than normal. Several individuals saw the aircraft and subsequent debris falling from the sky following an in-flight breakup. Radar data confirmed that the ground speed on final approach had increased to 208 knots.
The investigation
Investigation of the wreckage revealed significant structural failures. The wings and the right horizontal stabilizer had separated downward, while the left horizontal stabilizer had separated upward. Despite these major separations, the aileron, rudder, and stabilizer balance weights remained attached to their respective control surfaces.
Findings
Radar data indicated that the aircraft's speed on final approach reached 208 knots. This speed exceeded the aircraft's never-exceed speed (VNE), which was listed as 189 KCAS and 197 KIAS. Additionally, another pilot reported encountering light to moderate turbulence in the area.
The excessive airspeed likely contributed to the structural failure of the horizontal stabilizers and wings.