Background
The pilot's travel home had been delayed by one day due to weather conditions en route. Early on the day of the accident, he called the Flight Service Station for a weather briefing and was told there would likely be no issues for a noon departure. He departed from Clemson at approximately 1000 hours and activated his Visual Flight Rules flight plan.
Flight Sequence
After takeoff, the pilot contacted GSP Approach Control to coordinate clearance through the GSP area. Eight minutes before the accident, he requested permission to climb to 7,500 feet, explaining that he was approaching a cloud bank. The request was initially denied because a Cessna 185 was already at 7,500 feet, heading northeast. The Cessna pilot then radioed GSP Approach, stating that he was returning to Griffin because conditions were deteriorating; he reported being between cloud layers. Subsequently, the Piper was cleared to climb to 7,500 feet.
Accident Event
Approximately one minute after the pilot acknowledged reaching 7,500 feet, GSP Approach observed the aircraft in a left turn and descending. Thirty seconds later, the Emergency Locator Transmitter activated. Witnesses reported seeing the aircraft emerging from the base of the overcast in pieces, consistent with an inflight breakup.