What happened
On March 3, 2001, a VFR flight departed Tampa at 1208 local time, destined for Beaumont, Texas. The flight path was subject to significant weather activity caused by a stationary frontal system stretching from northern Georgia to the Gulf of Mexico. Active weather warnings included severe thunderstorm watches, moderate turbulence, strong headwinds, and potential hail up to 1 inch, with wind gusts reaching 60 knots and thunderstorm tops at 45,000 feet. Numerous SIGMETS and AIRMETS were in effect during the flight.
During the flight, FAA Gulfport Approach Control informed the pilot of N911PL that FAA New Orleans Approach Control recommended against continuing under visual flight rules. After the pilot accepted this recommendation, Gulfport suggested a specific heading. However, radar observations showed the aircraft departed from the suggested heading and entered a high rate of descent. Communications with the aircraft ceased at 1422 local time.
A Coast Guard helicopter located wreckage fragments at approximately 1509 local time, situated on the 216 degree radial, 17 miles from the Gulfport VOR. A Coast Guard vessel subsequently recovered aircraft seats, interior components, personal luggage, and an undeployed life raft. The pilot was not recovered.
The investigation
Investigators recovered the left wing of the aircraft for examination. Analysis conducted by the NTSB Materials Laboratory on the wing/fuselage attachments revealed fractures consistent with overstress in the upward direction, assuming an upright aircraft orientation.