Incident Summary
An aircraft was approximately 25 miles south of Washington National Airport (DCA) and inbound when the pilot reported an encounter with snow showers associated with a cold front. The pilot requested and was cleared to descend to 2,500 feet to maintain visual meteorological conditions (VMC). Radar data showed the aircraft descended past 2,500 feet to 1,300 feet.
Flight Details
About 16 miles south of DCA, the pilot stated he was reversing course to exit the snow showers. He requested and was cleared to climb on top of the weather, but due to traffic, was restricted to 5,500 feet. The pilot then asked to proceed to the nearest VMC airport. Radio contact was lost after the aircraft had climbed to 4,600 feet.
In-Flight Breakup
Subsequently, an in-flight breakup occurred. Witnesses observed the aircraft descending from the clouds in pieces. They reported strong winds, snow, and a low overcast at the time of the accident.
Wreckage Examination
Examination of the wreckage revealed that the wings and stabilizers had separated in flight due to overload failure.
Pilot Information
The pilot was not instrument rated. He had first been checked out in the type of aircraft approximately three months earlier. Subsequent flights in that type were made with an instructor aboard. This was the pilot's first flight in the type of aircraft without an instructor aboard.