Incident Overview
An aircraft departed San Jose, California, on a cross-country flight to Sisters, Oregon. The pilot obtained a standard preflight weather briefing, during which visual flight was not recommended. Cumulus buildups were reported to the pilot, who indicated that he may be overflying the cloud tops. No flight plan was filed.
Flight Details
The pilot's wife was driving to the same location, and they communicated by cell phone while en route. When the pilot failed to arrive at the destination, a search was initiated.
Radar and Witness Observations
According to radar data, the aircraft was at 15,400 feet when it began a rapid descent. Radar contact was lost at 11,800 feet. Witnesses reported seeing the aircraft descending near vertically out of broken clouds with the engine at full power.
Structural Analysis
When the aircraft was found, the right outboard wing panel from approximately station 110 outboard was missing. About a month later, the outer wing panel was recovered. Analysis of the failed structure indicated a positive overload of the wing and the horizontal stabilators.