Background
After landing at Neosho, Missouri, the pilot contacted the Joplin Flight Service Station (FSS) at 1132 CST to request weather information for a planned flight to Hays, Kansas. The weather specialist informed the pilot that the weather computer was out of service and suggested contacting another facility or calling back in approximately 20 minutes. The pilot stated he was in a hurry and ended the conversation. No record was found of any other weather briefing.
Flight
The aircraft departed Neosho at 1155 CST. While cruising at an altitude of 8,000 feet, the pilot asked the center controller about weather along the route. The controller advised that the radar displayed an area of light showers ahead and cleared the pilot to deviate around the weather. Approximately five minutes later, radar and radio contact were lost, and the aircraft crashed.
Accident
Examination of the wreckage revealed that the left wing had separated in flight due to an overload failure. The wing was found approximately one mile from the main wreckage. No pre-accident part failure or malfunction was found.
Weather
A weather study indicated that the aircraft crashed in an area of frontal activity where thunderstorms were building. Local personnel reported heavy rain, lightning, and ground visibility of one-eighth mile. Convective SIGMET 26C, issued at 1055, warned of embedded thunderstorms in the area with cloud tops above 45,000 feet.