Weather Briefing
The pilot, who was not instrument rated, contacted the FAA Flight Service Station (FSS) specialist for a weather briefing. The specialist informed her that there were IFR ceilings and visibilities along her route of flight. Specifically, about 15 miles south of the accident site, the ceiling varied between 300 and 1,300 feet above ground. The specialist also stated that conditions should start to improve within one to one and a half hours after their conversation. The pilot indicated she would call back in approximately half an hour, but no record of a return telephone call exists.
Contact with Air Traffic Control
About two hours later, the pilot contacted approach control, reporting that the airplane was level at 2,500 feet above mean sea level (msl). Approximately 12 minutes later, she requested to climb to 5,500 feet msl. The controller suggested climbing to 6,500 feet msl due to her northwesterly heading. The pilot instead advised she would climb to 4,500 feet msl. At that time, another pilot submitted a PIREP reporting instrument meteorological conditions at 5,000 feet msl. About four minutes after the PIREP, the pilot of the accident airplane requested a climb to 6,500 feet msl, which the controller approved.
Distress Call and Witnesses
Approximately one minute after the climb approval, the controller reported hearing a distress call from an unknown source stating, "Help me. Help me." Witnesses on the ground reported seeing the airplane exit the clouds in a steep, pitched-down attitude. They observed the airplane's right wing disintegrate as it banked to the left. The airplane was destroyed during an in-flight breakup and subsequent collision with trees and the ground.
Post-Accident Examination
Examination of the wreckage revealed no anomalies with the airframe, control system, or engine that would have prevented flight.