Flight History
The pilot completed a 30-minute insurance check flight before loading the aircraft with baggage and passengers. The flight departed Decatur, Illinois, bound for Naples, Florida. A refueling stop was made at Columbus, Georgia. The aircraft departed Columbus at 1750 and cruised uneventfully until sometime after 1927, when the pilot contacted Air Route Traffic Control Center (ARTCC) and reported maintaining 9,000 feet.
Starting at 1953, attempts to contact the aircraft were unsuccessful; however, the aircraft continued on its route until 2018, when it entered a right descending turn. Radar contact was lost at 2019 after further variations in heading and altitude. Subsequently, the aircraft experienced an in-flight breakup.
Weight and Balance
At the time of the breakup, the aircraft was approximately 188 pounds over its maximum weight limit and 0.4 inch behind its aft center of gravity limit.
Examination of Wreckage
Examination of the wreckage showed evidence of positive overload failure of the wings and stabilators. There was evidence that the alternator light was on, but the alternator, voltage regulator, and overvoltage relay checked good.
Weather Conditions
At 2030, radar data showed precipitation and cloud tops to 14,000 feet.
Pilot Qualifications
The pilot had not met the instrument flight rules (IFR) requirements of 14 CFR 61.57.