Loss of Contact
On July 23, 1986, Air Route Traffic Control Center (ARTCC) lost radar and radio contact with an aircraft while the pilot was in level flight at 6000 feet. The aircraft was operating in an area of level 3 and 4 thunderstorms.
Wreckage Discovery
Two days after the loss of contact, the left wing panel and the tips of the horizontal stabilators were found in the vicinity where contact was lost. On July 26, 1986, the main wreckage was located approximately 0.8 miles further to the southwest.
Examination Findings
Examination of the wreckage revealed evidence of upward failure of the wing and downward failure of the stabilators, both resulting from overload. No pre-accident part failure or malfunction was found.
Weather Observations
Another pilot reported observing a large wall of cumulus clouds in the accident area and diverted to avoid the weather.