What happened
The aircraft was operating under visual meteorological conditions that deteriorated into instrument meteorological conditions. Witnesses reported observing the aircraft spinning out of the clouds, during which parts of the airframe were seen separating from the main structure as it descended in an uncontrolled state.
At the time of the accident, weather conditions included a ceiling of 3,500 feet overcast with tops at 8,000 feet mean sea level. Light turbulence was reported below 10,000 feet, and the freezing level was located above 10,000 feet. A flight precaution for thunderstorms had been issued prior to the departure.
The wreckage was scattered over an area approximately 2,000 feet long by 50 feet wide. Paper debris was located up to 4 miles from the main impact site. The wreckage path was divided into two distinct sections separated by a county road. Northeast of the road were parts of the empennage section, while southwest of the road were components from the main fuselage and the separated wing assemblies.
The investigation
The physical evidence indicated that the airframe failed in flight. The separation of major components, including the wings and empennage, occurred while the aircraft was still airborne. The distribution of debris suggests a progressive structural failure during the descent.