Accident Event
While cruising at altitude in instrument meteorological conditions, the pilot lost control of the airplane, which entered a dive. During the subsequent descent, both wings, both engines, and the fuselage separated from the aircraft. The wreckage then crashed into an open field. All six occupants on board were killed.
Investigation Findings
Official investigation determined that the airframe failed in flight and the aircraft experienced an uncontrolled descent after exceeding its designed stress limits. Several contributing factors were identified:
- The wing spars failed due to overload.
- The fuselage experienced other types of failure.
- Overload failure occurred.
- The aircraft broke apart in flight.
- Snow was present, likely affecting performance or handling.
- The pilot attempted an operation beyond their experience or ability level.
- Control was lost for an undetermined reason.
- The pilot was not multi-engine rated.
Probable Cause
The National Transportation Safety Board or equivalent authority (unidentified in source) stated the probable cause as: airframe failure in flight and uncontrolled descent after the aircraft exceeded its designed stress limits. The listed contributing factors include wing spar failure, fuselage failure, overload, inflight separation, snow, pilot operating beyond experience/ability, undetermined loss of control, and lack of multi-engine rating.