Background
The pilot received a weather briefing before the last departure and was advised that visual flight was not advised. During the briefing, the pilot stated awareness of the weather conditions, having observed thunderstorm activity during the approach into the departure airport. After the briefing, the pilot departed for the destination airport.
Witness Accounts
A few minutes into the flight, two witnesses on the ground heard the sound of the airplane breaking up in flight. They also observed debris from the airplane falling from the base of the cloud layer. The witnesses reported that thunderstorm activity was present at the time of their observations.
Wreckage Examination
Wreckage debris was scattered over an area approximately 4,700 feet long and 1,400 feet wide. All major airframe components were recovered from the accident site. Examination of the wreckage failed to disclose a mechanical problem or a system malfunction.