In-Flight Breakup During VFR Flight from El Paso to Tucson (XBHOM)

Flight Planning and Weather Information At 0634 MST, the pilot filed a VFR flight plan and received weather information for a route from El Paso to Tucson. The pilot was advised of two PIREPs regarding severe turbulence in the Tucson area and of an AIRMET concerning turbulence below 12,000 feet. ## Departure and Loss of Contact The pilot's takeoff and departure appeared normal. After that, there was no further communication with the airplane. While en route, an in-flight breakup of the aircraft occurred, but there were no known witnesses. ## Wreckage and Structural Evidence The right outboard wing panel was found about 2/10 mile from the main wreckage, with evidence that it had failed in positive (upward) loading. The outboard two-thirds of the left horizontal stabilizer had separated, but was not found; there was evidence that it had failed downward. ## Environmental Observations A park ranger noted the presence of a 'black . . . dome shaped' cloud over mountains about 5 miles from the crash site. It was capped with another smaller cloud at a higher elevation. The National Weather Service had not issued an advisory for severe turbulence, although information for such a determination existed before the flight.