What happened
While cruising at approximately 17,000 feet MSL, the pilot of the aircraft began deviating from the planned route to avoid active thunderstorms. At 21:50 EDT, the pilot requested an increase in altitude to 19,000 feet MSL. Shortly thereafter, the pilot requested a right turn to bypass weather conditions and reported encountering icing. During the following minutes, radio communications became distorted. The final transmission from the pilot at 21:54:38 indicated an attempt to navigate through the difficult weather conditions, after which all radar and radio contact was lost.
Following the loss of contact, the aircraft underwent an in-flight breakup. Debris from the accident was distributed across a 3-mile area. Investigations determined that the outboard section of the right wing had detached, moving in an upward and aft direction. Additionally, the right horizontal stabilizer and rudder sustained damage, and scrape marks were identified on the right side of the fuselage. Both engines also separated from the airframe during the event and were located roughly one mile away from the primary wreckage site.
Findings
Post-accident analysis confirmed that there were no prior mechanical failures or fatigue issues present in the aircraft. Although the pilot had been provided with a comprehensive weather briefing that explicitly warned of severe weather along the flight path, the aircraft encountered the storm while attempting maneuvers to avoid the cells. The investigation concluded that the structural failure of the right wing was a primary element of the breakup.