Incident Overview
At approximately 1214 Central Standard Time, an aircraft cruising at 6,500 feet entered a rapid descent. Subsequently, the aircraft experienced an inflight breakup, and wreckage was scattered over an area measuring 1,735 feet. Witnesses reported hearing the engine roaring through clouds; they observed the aircraft emerge from a cloud base and shed its wings and tail before crashing.
Weather Conditions
Before takeoff, the pilot was advised of an approaching cold front in the Florida Panhandle and a forecast of heavy thunderstorm activity in the Pensacola area. En route, the pilot received VFR flight following from Pensacola Approach Control. Other flights operating at lower altitudes were deviating around weather to remain in visual flight rules (VFR) conditions. Witnesses reported low clouds, gusty surface winds, and rain in the vicinity.
Examination Findings
Examination of the wreckage revealed that the wings and tail surfaces had separated in overload. No pre-accident failure, malfunction, or fatigue of the aircraft was found. The aircraft was estimated to be 254 pounds over its maximum gross weight limit, and the center of gravity (CG) was estimated to be 0.1 inch behind the aft limit. The pilot's medical certificate was dated October 16, 1986.