Flight Sequence
A student pilot was at the controls of an aircraft during a night cross-country flight. Prior to departure, he received a preflight weather briefing during which he was advised that visual flight rules (VFR) flight was not recommended. The pilot ended the conversation before the briefing was completed. While en route, the flight was in radio and radar contact with Atlanta Center. As the flight neared a thunderstorm, the pilot requested radar assistance. Shortly after that request, the aircraft entered a right turn. After approximately 270 degrees of turn, radar and radio contact were lost.
Wreckage Examination
Parts of the aircraft were found scattered over a wide area in the vicinity where radar contact was lost. Examination of the wreckage revealed that the stabilators and wings had separated in flight. There was evidence that these components had failed from overload and that the stabilators had failed downward.
Toxicology Results
A toxicological analysis of the pilot's liver fluid showed an alcohol level of 0.092%.
Pilot Endorsement
The pilot was not endorsed for the night cross-country flight.