Background and Flight Planning
A non-instrument rated pilot planned a visual flight rules (VFR) flight from Cape Cod and Provincetown, Massachusetts, to Pottstown, Pennsylvania. Over the course of the day, from 1152 to 2201 hours, the pilot contacted Flight Service Station (FSS) six times for weather briefings. During the 1152, 1254, and 1401 briefings, he was advised of a severe thunderstorm watch in effect. At 2018, he was informed of two SIGMETs and told that VFR flight was not recommended. During the final briefing at 2201, he was again advised that VFR flight was not recommended due to low ceilings and fog in the Provincetown area and forecast instrument flight rules (IFR) conditions en route.
Accident Sequence
Shortly after taking off from Provincetown, the airplane was heard circling at low altitude. Witnesses then observed the aircraft descending out of the clouds. An airline pilot witness estimated visibility at one mile. During the descent, the right wing separated from the airplane in flight.
Wreckage Examination
Examination of the right wing revealed that a small area of preexisting fatigue cracking was present on the lower wing spar break. However, further analysis determined that the wing had sustained high loads immediately prior to separation.
Pilot Information
The pilot's most recent medical examination, conducted in April 1993, recorded a total of five hours of night flight experience. The accident site was a trailer park.