Flight Details
The aircraft was in cruise flight at an altitude of 11,000 feet. Onboard were an instrument-rated private pilot and a passenger.
Weather and Pilot Actions
Thunderstorms and convective activity were present in the area. The pilot chose to continue flying toward the weather and requested permission to deviate around it, but did not specify a direction. After receiving clearance for the deviation, the airplane first turned left while maintaining altitude, then turned right more than 90 degrees and began to descend. The last radar contact was recorded at 9,300 feet, after which both radio and radar contact were lost.
Witness Observations
Witnesses on the ground observed the airplane in a descent estimated to be between 30 and 45 degrees nose-down, below the base of the clouds. They could hear the engine operating. The witnesses saw the airplane come apart while it was operating clear of clouds. One witness reported that the descent started to shallow just prior to the breakup.
Wreckage Examination
The debris trail extended 1,033 feet to the impact crater, with an additional 486 feet of debris beyond the crater. Examination of the wreckage revealed downward bending on the spars of the horizontal stabilizer and wings. One propeller blade was found separated from its hub in the main impact crater, exhibiting "S" bending on both the leading and trailing edges.