Incident Overview
A pilot operating on a cross-country flight encountered deteriorating weather conditions and subsequently lost control of the airplane. The pilot had received an inflight weather briefing at 1353, which advised of light to moderate rain showers and marginal VFR conditions en route to the destination.
Communication with ATC
At 1423, the pilot contacted the Air Route Traffic Control Center (ARTCC) and reported eastbound at 13,500 feet. Approximately 15 minutes later, he requested a slow descent to exit clouds. He subsequently reported descending through 8,000 feet to 'whatever it takes to get out of these clouds.' Radar service was then terminated.
Shortly thereafter, the pilot radioed that he needed help and was lost, indicating he had turned around after encountering clouds and was circling over two towns. ATC informed the pilot that he was below radar coverage and needed to climb. He was later radar identified at 3,600 feet and then radioed, 'I'm in clouds right now you need to get me out...'
At 1521, the flight was heading east at 7,000 feet when the controller advised the pilot of reported VFR conditions to the north. The pilot acknowledged and was given a north heading. ATC subsequently queried him about his heading, and the pilot replied, 'I'm trying.' Radar and radio contact with the flight was lost soon afterwards.
Witness Observations and Wreckage
Witnesses reported the airplane descended from clouds in a steep attitude. Examination of the wreckage revealed that the left wing, outboard right wing, left stabilator, and elevator had separated in flight.