Accident Details
A pilot conducting a cross-country flight in instrument meteorological conditions at 7,000 ft mean sea level (msl) encountered turbulence. While climbing to a higher altitude, the airplane encountered extreme turbulence at 8,500 ft msl, causing the pilot to lose control. The aircraft entered an uncontrolled dive and descended to 5,600 ft msl before the pilot regained control. The pilot subsequently landed without further incident.
Pilot Report
The pilot reported no preexisting mechanical malfunctions or failures that would have precluded normal operation. However, he stated that he may have overstressed the airplane during the recovery from the uncontrolled descent.
Weather Conditions
A review of weather data revealed that no SIGMETs or AIRMETs for turbulence were issued for the area around the time of the accident.
Damage Assessment
A post-flight inspection revealed substantial damage to the right wing spar.