What happened
While operating at a cruising altitude of 29,000 feet, the N84UM, an aircraft type not specified by model but identified by registration, ceased transmitting transponder signals to air traffic control. Approximately two minutes after reaching its assigned level, controllers noted the loss of radar returns. Although the controller attempted several radio communications, the pilot only responded twice. During these brief exchanges, the pilot mentioned ice and later confirmed the controller could be heard clearly. Following this second transmission, all communication with the flight ceased.
Search efforts located debris spread across a six-mile area, suggesting the aircraft suffered an in-flight breakup. Investigators recovered components of the horizontal stabilizers at distances ranging from 2 to 6 miles from the primary wreckage site. Additionally, the right wing was discovered 2 miles away from the main debris field, while a left outboard wing panel was found approximately 1 mile from the right wing debris.
Findings
The investigation determined that both occupants were killed in the accident. The aircraft had been flying through clouds and icing conditions, which the pilot had been briefed on during preflight preparations; however, the aircraft was rated for such environments. Evidence indicated that the structural integrity of the airframe was compromised when design stress limits were exceeded, leading to the separation of the wings and stabilizers. A critical factor identified was the presence of cocaine metabolites in the pilot's system, which contributed to a loss of aircraft control during the flight.