What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2002-07-18 involved a Beech C24R, registration N18860, at Grindstone, PA.

Aircraft Breaks Up During Thunderstorm Diversion (N18860)

On July 18, 2002, a Beech C24R (registration N18860) was involved in an aviation accident near Grindstone, PA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's inadequate in-flight planning/decision resulting in flight into adverse weather, and his failure to maintain aircraft control resulting in overstress of aircraft. A factor was the thunderstorm activity. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.

A pilot diverting around thunderstorms reported severe turbulence before the aircraft entered a descending left turn. Witnesses saw parts separate prior to impact; wreckage scattered over half a mile. No pre-impact malfunctions found.

Incident Overview

A pilot was diverting around thunderstorm activity and reported experiencing "severe turbulence" to air traffic control. Approximately four minutes later, the airplane began a descending left turn from about 4,700 feet. It was observed at 4,400 feet, then nine seconds later disappeared from radar at an altitude of 3,100 feet.

Witness Observations

Witnesses reported observing parts separating from the airplane prior to impact. The wreckage was scattered over an area of about half a mile.

Weather Conditions

Convective SIGMETs and a Center Weather Advisory for thunderstorm activity were in effect for the area at the time and had been provided to the pilot by air traffic control. Cloud tops in the vicinity of the accident site were about 26,000 feet, with cloud tops reaching about 40,000 feet 11 miles north of the accident site.

Wreckage Examination

Examination of the wreckage did not reveal any pre-impact malfunctions.

2002-07-18: Beech C24R (N18860) — Grindstone, PA