Flight Details
While in cruise flight at 7,000 feet, the pilot of an aircraft requested a descent to 5,000 feet and was subsequently cleared to that altitude. The controller noted that the flight had ascended to 7,500 feet. Around the same time, the pilot radioed, "gyro's out one oh six juliet gulf." The last radar return showed the aircraft at an altitude of 900 feet, indicating a descent rate of approximately 11,143 feet per minute.
Weather Conditions
Weather and tracking data revealed that at the time of the radio transmission regarding the gyroscope, the aircraft was penetrating intense to extreme weather echoes, classified as levels 5 to 6. These conditions included thunderstorms with heavy rain, instrument meteorological conditions (IMC), up and downdrafts, horizontal gusts, and turbulence of at least moderate intensity.
Wreckage Examination
Examination of the wreckage revealed that the right wing, vertical stabilizer, and stabilator had separated in flight. The separation was attributed to overstress.
Communication and Weather Briefing
The pilot had contacted the Automated Flight Service Station (AFSS) and requested weather along the route. The AFSS specialist reported low levels of precipitation with thunderstorm activity. However, there was no evidence that the specialist provided the pilot with forecasted adverse weather conditions. Furthermore, there was no evidence that the FAA Miami Air Route Traffic Control Center (ZMA), Sector 3 Vero Beach Terminal Radar (R3) controller advised the pilot of pertinent information regarding observed weather areas displayed on the radarscope.
Gyroscope Investigation
There was no evidence found to indicate that the gyroscopes had failed or malfunctioned.