Flight and Weather Conditions
The flight was operating under instrument flight rules (IFR) in an area with rain showers. The pilot requested and received clearance to descend from 9,000 feet to 7,000 feet, and later to 5,000 feet. After a frequency change at 2237 EST, the pilot inquired about radar indications of adverse weather ahead. The controller advised that there was some precipitation in the area near Gainesville but that the route of flight looked "pretty good."
Loss of Radar Contact
As the aircraft continued, its altitude varied between 4,900 and 5,100 feet, as indicated by the Mode C transponder return. At 2242:53, the Mode C reply indicated 5,100 feet; 12 seconds later, it indicated 5,600 feet; after another 12 seconds, the altitude reply decreased to 4,300 feet. Subsequently, radar and radio contact were lost.
Wreckage and Search
The wreckage was found on January 1, 1987, in the area where radar contact was lost. An air search had been delayed due to strong wind and rain. Examination revealed evidence of an in-flight break-up: the outboard portions of the horizontal stabilizers and wings had separated during flight. The separations were downward and resulted from overload failure.
Weather Reports at Time of Accident
Persons near the crash site reported heavy rain and wind, with some lightning and thunder at the time of the accident.