Departure and Initial Flight
The pilot departed at 1259 Eastern Daylight Time (EDT). At 1318, he reported reaching and maintaining a cruising altitude of 10,000 feet. No further radio communications with the aircraft occurred after this report.
Loss of Radar Contact
Radar contact was lost at approximately 1342. The aircraft's wreckage was subsequently located scattered over a 425-yard area, oriented along a southwest azimuth. The debris field was situated about half a mile from the point where radar contact was lost.
Wreckage Distribution
Examination of the wreckage revealed that the engine, empennage, and left wing had separated from the main wreckage, which consisted of the fuselage and right wing. The left wing was found approximately 425 feet northeast of the fuselage. The horizontal stabilizers were located near the left wing and showed evidence of downward failure.
Weather Conditions
Personnel in the area reported a severe thunderstorm occurring at approximately the time of the accident. Radar data indicated the presence of a Level 4 or stronger thunderstorm in the vicinity. A SIGMET had been issued at 1255 that warned of thunderstorms with tops above 45,000 feet. The pilot did not update his weather information while en route.