What happened
While conducting a cross-country flight under instrument flight rules, the pilot was communicating with air traffic control. The controller provided clearance to climb to flight level 210 and authorized a deviation to the east of the planned route to bypass traffic and weather. Radar tracking indicated the aircraft was climbing to approximately 14,800 feet MSL while traveling south away from its departure point. Following this, the aircraft turned toward the north. When the controller attempted to inquire about this change in heading, the pilot failed to respond.
Search efforts located the wreckage on ranch land. The debris field, which included separated engines, elevators, and portions of the outer wings and stabilizers, was spread in multiple directions. This pattern of destruction was consistent with the aircraft breaking apart while still in flight prior to hitting the ground.
Findings
Environmental conditions at the time of the accident included widespread thunderstorms and significant surface winds of 30 knots, with gusts reaching 40 knots. An active AIRMET had warned of moderate turbulence below flight level 180, and nearby pilot reports confirmed the presence of mountain wave activity and moderate turbulence. Additionally, atmospheric assessments indicated that icing conditions, ranging from clear to rime, were possible between 10,700 and 17,300 feet MSL.
An inspection of the aircraft revealed no mechanical failures or engine anomalies that would have prevented standard operation. The investigation concluded that the aircraft likely encountered heavy to extreme turbulence and icing, which resulted in a loss of control and the subsequent structural failure of the aircraft.