History of Flight
The aircraft departed at 1054 CDT in visual meteorological conditions (VMC) without a flight plan. At that time, a reported ceiling of 1800 ft existed. At 1112 CDT, the pilot reported being at 10,000 ft, stating they were 'just reaching the tops.' At 1137 CDT, the pilot reported 'we're about 60 west of Oke City, westbound to Sayre VOR & we're at 12,500 ft & not quite on top...' Approximately 7.5 minutes later, the aircraft experienced an in-flight breakup and crashed while on a westerly heading approximately 19 miles west-southwest of the departure airport, well east of where the pilot had last reported.
Wreckage and Impact
The wreckage was scattered over a 4600 ft area along a heading of 292 degrees. Witnesses reported hearing the engine at high RPM, then a loud bang, shortly after which they saw pieces of the aircraft falling out of the clouds. Examination revealed evidence that the left wing and both ruddevators had separated due to overload failure.
Weather Information
An NTSB weather study showed cloud bases at approximately 3000 ft and cloud tops at 12,500 ft, with light to moderate rain and light to moderate turbulence below 14,000 ft.
Aircraft and Pilot Information
No pre-accident mechanical problems were found. The last entry in the pilot's logbook was dated November 1, 1984, and the pilot's last recorded flight in a Beech 35 was on February 2, 1984.