Accident Overview
A private pilot, who had just completed a checkout in the aircraft earlier that day, experienced an inflight breakup while maneuvering at night. Witnesses observed the aircraft in a right bank before the breakup occurred. Both wings, the vertical stabilizer and rudder, and the horizontal stabilizer and trim tab separated from the airframe prior to impact with the ground.
Meteorological Conditions
The accident occurred during dark night conditions. Weather reports from a station 33 nautical miles northwest of the accident site indicated scattered clouds at 10,000 feet and an overcast layer at 25,000 feet, conditions suitable for visual flight rules (VFR). A ground witness reported that the sky was cloudy but that stars were visible between the clouds.
Pilot and Flight Experience
The pilot held a private pilot certificate but was not instrument rated. Records indicate that when the pilot received his private certificate, he was restricted from night flight due to non-compliance with Federal Aviation Regulation 61.109, which sets minimum night flight experience requirements. Additionally, his flight instructor had specifically warned him not to attempt solo night flying. The pilot had logged only two hours of dual night instruction several months prior and had accumulated about 45 minutes of solo flight on the accident flight itself.
Structural Failure Analysis
Examination of the separated components revealed that all fracture surfaces showed characteristics consistent with overstress failure. Specifically, the right wing was struck by the left wing after the left wing had separated from the aircraft in a negative manner.
Findings
The investigation determined that the aircraft broke up in flight after entering a right bank. The pilot operated the aircraft at night despite explicit restrictions and a warning from his instructor. The separation of the wings and tail surfaces was due to overstress conditions.