Accident Details
The airplane was conducting a VFR local flight when an in-flight breakup occurred. Wreckage was scattered over an area of approximately half a square mile. Post-accident examination revealed that the center section beam assembly, which is attached to the front spars of the wings, had failed in positive overload. All fracture surfaces exhibited features typical of overstress.
Radar and Weather
Primary radar returns, which provide a two-dimensional position (range and azimuth), were the only data recorded for the airplane. Secondary radar data, which reports altitude, were not recorded. No other aircraft were recorded on radar near the accident area at the time of the accident. There were no significant weather reports issued for the accident area at the time.
Aircraft Examination
Post-accident examinations of the airframe and engine did not reveal any anomalies. At the time of the accident, the airplane had accumulated a total flight time of 2,2421 hours. A 100-hour inspection had been performed approximately 71 flight hours prior to the accident.