Flight Details
The pilot, who was not instrument rated, was attempting to remain visual flight rules (VFR) on top when he encountered instrument meteorological conditions (IMC) at 17,500 feet. After encountering IMC, the pilot tried to maneuver to remain in visual meteorological conditions (VMC). The aircraft entered an uncontrolled descent, during which the right wing separated from the aircraft.
Oxygen and Equipment
The pilot was above 14,000 feet for one hour. The aircraft was not equipped with oxygen, and no evidence of portable oxygen was found.
Weather Briefings
There was no record of a preflight weather briefing. The pilot obtained an inflight weather briefing 1.5 hours before the crash, during which VFR was not recommended and a route of flight to avoid the weather was suggested. A second inflight weather briefing was obtained 20 minutes before the crash, again suggesting a route to avoid the weather. The pilot continued until he was IMC.