What happened
During a period of visual flight rules (VFR) operations, the aircraft entered cloud cover while maintaining a cruising altitude. During this phase of flight, the pilot lost control of the aircraft type as it descended rapidly into the terrain. The impact near Toadlena resulted in an immediate fire that consumed the wreckage.
There were four fatalities recorded in the accident, with no survivors among the occupants. The aircraft was completely destroyed upon impact.
Findings
Investigations into the accident determined that the primary reason for the loss of control was an airframe failure occurring during normal cruise flight. Specifically, the investigation identified a fatigue fracture within the wing spars. Additionally, investigators noted that atmospheric instability, including turbulence and vertical air currents such as updrafts and downdrafts associated with clouds or thunderstorms, acted as contributing factors to the structural failure.