The pilot of the multiengine airplane reported that, on a descending vector for a visual instrument landing system approach on an instrument flight rules flight plan, about 2500 to 2800 ft mean sea level, he "felt the aircraft shudder along with a loud bang." He then disengaged the autopilot to determine if the flight controls were affected and looked for damage on the wing and nose area; no damage was observed. The pilot further reported that he continued to the airport and landed without further incident. During the landing, a waiting aircraft reported they saw damage to the vertical stabilizer.

The airplane sustained substantial damaged to the vertical stabilizer.

The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.