Accident Summary
The left wing separated as the noninstrument-rated private pilot penetrated thunderstorms. The flight originated from Sundance Airport, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, about 0800, en route to Oshkosh, Wisconsin, with a planned fuel stop at Trenton, Missouri.
Flight Details
Weather radar data and radar ground track showed the airplane proceeding to the northeast and initially outside of precipitation and in visual meteorological conditions. About the time the airplane made an initial deviation towards the south, the radar data indicated that it was in the vicinity of an area of convection. The airplane flew south until it was clear of the first shower/thunderstorm and then turned toward the northeast to resume course.
Weather Conditions
The radar data indicated that shortly after resuming the northeast track, the airplane penetrated a VIP level three or four developing thunderstorm and remained in the cell until ground impact. Local residents near the accident site reported that there were thunderstorms and heavy rain in the area around the time of the accident.
Pilot Information
According to FAA records, there were no weather briefings given to the pilot. The pilot had a total of 1.9 hours simulated instrument time recorded in his pilot logbook.