Flight Details
The flight originated at 0151 central daylight time after the pilot and passenger had spent the day sightseeing and attended a night baseball game. Prior to departure, the pilot received a weather briefing and filed an instrument flight rules (IFR) flight plan.
Weather Briefing
Overcast skies with cumuliform clouds and rain showers prevailed along the planned route. The pilot was not briefed about thunderstorms, as only widely scattered thunderstorms with moderate rain showers were forecast.
Inflight Events
While en route, the pilot made a transmission that his compass was "swinging." Shortly thereafter, contact with the aircraft was lost. Radar data indicated that the airplane made rapid changes in altitude before an inflight breakup occurred. Wreckage was scattered over a wide area.
Wreckage Examination
Examination of the wreckage revealed that both wings failed in positive overload. The stabilator failed in a downward direction and was bent aft before separating from the aircraft. The remainder of the aircraft was extensively damaged by impact and fire.