Introduction
A pilot filed a VFR flight plan after weather conditions improved from IFR to VFR, with a chance of thunderstorms en route. The forecast included occasional moderate turbulence below 5,000 feet due to strong and gusty low-level winds.
Witness Reports
While the aircraft was en route, a ground witness heard the engines rev up more than normal. The witness then observed the aircraft on a northerly heading. Shortly thereafter, a loud noise was heard, and two or more pieces were seen separating from the aircraft. The aircraft subsequently entered an uncontrolled descent and crashed.
Investigation Findings
Examination of the wreckage revealed evidence that the aircraft suffered an in-flight separation of the fiberglass nose assembly. Portions of the separated nose struck the stabilator. A damaged area on the right stabilator acted as a trim tab, causing a pitch-up of sufficient magnitude to induce positive bending in the wings. The resulting loading on the stabilators caused them to fail in negative bending. The aircraft then entered a descending counter-clockwise spin, which continued until ground impact occurred. Parts of the aircraft and its contents separated and descended in scattered fragments.
Conclusion
The investigation determined the sequence of events leading to the loss of control. No further causal factors were identified in the source material.