Weather Briefing
Prior to departure, the pilot contacted flight service for a weather briefing. The briefing included an AIRMET for instrument meteorological conditions (IMC) along the intended route, and visual flight rules (VFR) flight was not recommended. However, the briefer noted that some stations along the route were beginning to report VFR conditions and that terminal area forecasts indicated improving weather.
Flight Sequence
As the pilot approached the destination airport, he contacted air traffic control and learned that the weather at the destination was IMC. He then decided to return to the departure airport. While air traffic control was in the process of radar identifying the aircraft, the airplane descended 1,300 feet in 4 seconds, after which radar contact was lost.
Inflight Breakup
Witnesses on the ground observed the airplane descending out of the clouds and saw pieces falling from the aircraft before it impacted trees and terrain. The outboard portions of both wings and both outboard portions of the horizontal stabilizer were located between 1,000 and 2,000 feet from the main wreckage.
Examination Findings
Examination of the fracture surfaces on the separated components showed signatures consistent with overload failure in the positive (upward) direction. No pre-existing mechanical deficiencies were found with the airplane. Review of satellite weather imagery indicated clouds near the accident site, and an airport 21 nautical miles southwest reported an overcast ceiling at 700 feet.