What happened
A Piper PA-32R-301 experienced an in-flight breakup while maneuvering near a thunderstorm in Byhalia, Mississippi. Witnesses observed the aircraft flying in level flight below the clouds. During their observation, they saw the left wing separate from the aircraft and strike the tail section. Following the separation, the main fuselage came to rest in a bean field less than a half mile from the witnesses' location, with debris falling near them.
At the time of the accident, witnesses reported windy conditions at their location, though they noted there was no rain or thunderstorms in their immediate area, despite lightning being visible to the north.
The investigation
An examination of radar data showed that between 15:42:02 and 15:53:01, the airplane performed approximately seven changes in altitude, airspeed, and heading. The most significant excursion was recorded between 15:52:43 and 15:53:01. During this 18-second interval, the aircraft descended from 7,700 feet AGL to 3,900 feet AGL and its airspeed decreased to 41 knots.
A toxicology examination of the pilot and passenger was conducted, which found cocaine and Benzoylecgonine in their liver and kidneys.