What happened
Following a complete weather briefing that forecasted thunderstorms along the intended flight path, the pilot encountered and attempted to navigate through active thunderstorm activity. Radar data from the National Track Analysis Program and manually digitized radar indicated that the aircraft penetrated a very strong (VIP level four) weather echo. This cell contained very heavy rain showers, moderate to severe turbulence, and both updrafts and downdrafs.
At a cruising altitude of 8,000 feet, recorded radar data showed that the pilot lost control of the aircraft. While the main wreckage was recovered, the outboard sections of both wings, most of the horizontal stabilizer, and fragments of the windshield and cabin windows were located in an arc spanning one-half to one mile west of the primary site.
Two children, aged ten months and four years, were seated in the rear of the aircraft in child safety seats; both were not injured during the accident.