What happened
The pilot initially completed a thirty-minute insurance check flight before loading passengers and baggage for a trip from Decatur, Illinois, to Naples, Florida. A refueling stop was made in Columbus, Georgia. At 1750, the aircraft departed Columbus and cruised without incident until after 1927, when the pilot reported maintaining 9,000 feet to air traffic control. Attempts to contact the aircraft failed starting at 1953, though radar showed it continuing its route. At 2018, the aircraft entered a right descending turn, and radar contact was lost at 2019 following further variations in heading and altitude. The aircraft subsequently experienced an in-flight breakup.
The investigation
Examination of the wreckage revealed evidence of positive overload failure of the wings and stabilators. At the time of the accident, the aircraft was believed to have been approximately 188 pounds over its maximum weight limit and 0.4 inches behind its aft center of gravity limit. Although there was evidence that the alternator light was on, the alternator, voltage regulator, and overvoltage relay checked good.
Findings
Radar data at 2030 showed precipitation and cloud tops to 14,000 feet. The pilot had not met the instrument flight rules requirements of 14 CFR 61.57.