In-Flight Breakup During VFR Flight Into Instrument Meteorological Conditions (N6369C)

Incident Overview and Weather Briefings The aircraft suffered an in-flight breakup while operating under visual flight rules (VFR) in instrument meteorological conditions. The pilot did not receive a preflight weather briefing before departure but obtained three in-flight weather briefings from the Miami Automated Flight Service Station. During one of these briefings, the pilot was informed about a front located along the intended route of flight. In the area and time of the accident, no SIGMETs, Convective SIGMETs, or Center Weather Advisories were in effect. ## Air Traffic Control Communications Approximately 32 minutes before the accident, the non-instrument rated pilot informed the controller that he was flying in the clouds and attempting to maintain VFR. The controller asked if the pilot wanted an instrument flight rules (IFR) clearance. The pilot requested assistance to avoid the clouds several times and was advised on the limitations of radar depiction. About one minute before the accident, the controller advised the pilot of a heavy weather echo at his 12 o'clock position, 2.5 miles away. The pilot stated he needed assistance. The controller provided a heading, but the pilot did not acknowledge the transmission. The controller then advised the pilot not to turn too tightly and to level the wings, which was also not acknowledged. ## Radar Data and Post-Accident Findings Recorded radar data indicated the aircraft descended from 12,600 feet to 8,800 feet mean sea level (MSL) before the flight path entered an area of depicted weather echoes. The aircraft then entered a left descending turn, reaching a descent rate exceeding 5,000 feet per minute. Post-accident examination of the aircraft did not reveal evidence of mechanical malfunction. ## Pilot Qualifications and Medical Status Review of the pilot's logbook showed 15 hours of actual instrument flight time on 34 flights as pilot-in-command (PIC). The entries for these flights did not contain a signature by a certified flight instructor or safety pilot. The pilot also logged actual instrument flight time as PIC before receiving his private pilot certificate. The pilot's medical certificate was expired at the time of the accident.