Accident Summary
The pilot lost control of the aircraft in instrument meteorological conditions (IFR) as the airplane was descending through approximately 6000 feet mean sea level (MSL). The area featured convective activity with moderate to severe turbulence and updrafts and downdrafts. Both wings separated from the aircraft, and wreckage was scattered over an area of approximately 1.5 miles.
Investigation Findings
Calculations revealed that at the time of the accident, the aircraft's gross weight was 29 pounds over its maximum limit. The center of gravity (CG) was approximately 3.3 to 5.3 inches behind the aft limit. Under these conditions, the aircraft's maneuvering stability and stick force per 'g' characteristics would have been seriously degraded. In turn, this would have allowed the pilot to exceed the structural design limits of the aircraft with little or no effort.
Wreckage Examination
An examination of the wreckage disclosed evidence of apparent flap asymmetry, a condition which may have occurred during the in-flight breakup of the aircraft.