Flight and Weather Conditions
The pilot was cruising at flight level 210, positioned between cloud layers. Approaching a cloud cell, he requested a deviation to the north. His weather radar displayed no returns, and after a VFR aircraft ahead reported no significant turbulence, he decided to maintain course.
Turbulence Encounter and Loss of Control
Upon entering the cloud formation, the aircraft experienced a single, very hard jolt of turbulence accompanied by ice and hail. The pilot lost control of the aircraft, which subsequently descended approximately 10,000 feet before control was regained. During the recovery, the pilot noted that the airspeed had exceeded the aircraft's red line.
Post-Event Actions and Damage Assessment
The pilot landed the aircraft at a nearby airport without further incident. An FAA inspector determined that the aircraft had sustained structural damage during the flight. Additionally, NTAP radar data indicated that the flight path had passed through an area of heavy weather returns.