Weather Briefing
During a pre-flight weather briefing, the non-instrument rated pilot was advised of numerous thunderstorms along his proposed route of flight. VFR flight was not recommended.
Flight Following
While en route, the pilot contacted Miami Center and requested flight following. He was instructed to maintain VFR. In the vicinity of numerous level 3 and 4 precipitation areas, the pilot inquired about the weather ahead and was provided vectors to the clearest area. However, radio and radar contact were subsequently lost, and the aircraft crashed.
Witness Account
A witness near the crash site observed the aircraft falling without wings just prior to impact. The witness noted a dark cloud behind the aircraft, light rain was falling, and the surface wind was from the east and gusting.
Wreckage Examination
The wings, cabin door, and elevator counterweights were found about one-half mile west of the fuselage. The wings had failed upward, the vertical stabilizer had separated at the top of the tailcone, and the entire tailcone had broken from the fuselage. No preexisting cracks or fatigue were found. The pilot's last medical certificate was dated April 6, 1981.
Determination
The source does not provide a stated probable cause for the accident.