Summary
A non-instrument-rated pilot initiated a flight under a VFR flight plan despite being informed that the weather at the destination airport was IFR. While flying between cloud layers, the weather deteriorated, and the pilot inadvertently entered instrument meteorological conditions (IMC). While being vectored toward better weather, the pilot became disoriented and entered a high-speed dive.
Details
During the recovery from the dive, approximately 50 percent of the stabilator separated from the airplane. Despite this structural damage, the pilot was able to fly the airplane to a nearby private airport. The pilot executed a hard landing on the grass adjacent to the runway. Post-landing inspection of the stabilator surfaces revealed a positive 'G' overload failure, with no evidence of metal fatigue.
Findings
The incident involved a pilot who was not rated for instrument flight. The decision to proceed with the flight under VFR into forecast IFR conditions led to the encounter with IMC. The subsequent spatial disorientation resulted in a high-speed dive, and the structural failure of the stabilator occurred during the recovery maneuver. The hard landing on grass was likely due to the compromised control surfaces.