What happened
At 1450 CDT, while the pilot was cruising at 11,000 feet, Air Route Traffic Control Center broadcast information regarding SIGMET 17C. This warning alerted pilots to thunderstorms with tops reaching flight level 450. By 1613, radar data indicated the aircraft had climbed to 11,300 feet. When controllers inquired about his altitude, the pilot replied that he was inside a cell and intended to return to his cruising altitude of 11,000 feet. He did not request any assistance.
Shortly after this communication, radar data showed the aircraft had lost 1,000 feet in altitude. The display then entered a coast track, indicating a loss of power or control. Later, wreckage was found scattered over an area approximately one mile long and one-quarter mile wide. The wings and stabilators had separated during an in-flight breakup.
The pilot's body was discovered at 0737 CDT on October 24, 1985. A toxicology check revealed an alcohol level of 0.031%, though the amount attributable to putrefaction was not verified. A weather summary indicated the aircraft was in the vicinity of a very strong weather echo with moderate to severe turbulence and updrafts/downdrafts in the thunderstorm below 20,000 feet.
The investigation
Examination of the wreckage revealed that the wings had failed from positive overloads. There was no evidence of pre-accident part failure or malfunction found during the investigation.