Flight and Weather Encounter
The aircraft was in cruise flight at 17,000 feet mean sea level (msl) when the pilot contacted Minneapolis Air Route Traffic Control Center (ARTCC) and stated, "We're picking up some ice and rain, and we're going to turn around." ARTCC approved the request. Two minutes later, the pilot reported, "We're looking for some help to get around this weather southbound." ARTCC advised the pilot that he could turn either east or west. The pilot turned west, and four minutes later turned back to the south. The pilot then informed ARTCC that they were still encountering weather. ARTCC directed the pilot to turn north and then east when possible.
Loss of Control
Approximately one minute after the last direction, ARTCC radar showed the aircraft in a rapid descent. The pilot transmitted, "Minneapolis center, N9114Q is out of control." Prior to departure, the pilot had received a Flight Service Station (FSS) briefing and was advised of convective conditions and precipitation building to the south along the intended route.
Contributing Factors
The aircraft was approximately 548 pounds over its maximum takeoff weight. The probable cause, as determined by the investigation, was the pilot's continued flight into known adverse weather conditions and exceeding the design stress limits of the airplane. Factors contributing to the accident included thunderstorms, hail, wind gusts, and the aircraft's over-maximum gross weight condition.