Incident Sequence
At approximately 1015 central daylight time, while en route, the pilot contacted a flight service station and requested the weather for Kansas City. Visual meteorological conditions were reported at Kansas City, but the pilot was informed of an AIRMET cautioning of low ceilings and reduced visibilities along the route of flight. The pilot acknowledged the report and continued the flight toward Kansas City.
Witness Observations
At about 1051 CDT, ground witnesses heard a snap or boom noise, followed by a high-pitched sound from the aircraft's engine. They then observed the aircraft spin or roll out of the overcast sky at an estimated 1500 to 2000 feet above ground level. The witnesses stated that the aircraft continued to spin or roll until impacting the ground. They also reported light rain falling at the time.
Wreckage Examination
Examination of the wreckage revealed that both outer wing panels had separated in flight. The panels were located 3116 feet and 2376 feet from the main wreckage. No preimpact part failure or malfunction was found.
Pilot Information
The pilot was non-instrument rated and had logged only 5 hours of simulated instrument time. There was no evidence that a preflight weather briefing had been obtained.