Accident Details
During a VFR cross-country flight, an in-flight breakup of the airplane occurred. Wreckage was scattered over an area of about 1.5 miles. Examination of the wreckage revealed that the right wing failed in positive overload approximately 9 feet inboard from the wing tip. The separated wing then struck the right horizontal stabilizer, which also separated. No pre-existing defects were noted in the wreckage.
The pilot was in contact with Cleveland Air Route Traffic Control Center and reported an altitude of 16,500 feet MSL and stated that he was "in the soup." Radar data from the center showed that the airplane made several altitude and heading excursions during a 30-minute period before the accident. Just before the airplane disappeared from radar, the flight track deviated to the right.
A witness reported seeing the airplane descending with a large section of one wing missing after hearing a loud "pop."
Investigation
According to Federal Aviation Regulations, no person may operate a civil aircraft at cabin pressure altitudes above 14,000 feet MSL unless the required minimum flight crew is provided with and uses supplemental oxygen. An examination of the wreckage indicated that there was no supplemental oxygen aboard the airplane.