What happened
While operating under IFR in instrument meteorological conditions, the pilot was cleared to climb to FL220. During the ascent, the pilot contacted ARTCC to report that the aircraft was experiencing a problem. Following this initial transmission, no further radio communication was established with the crew. Radar data indicated that the aircraft began deviating from its planned flight path while climbing through 17,300 feet, coinciding with proximity to moderate convective weather. At approximately 1032:18, the aircraft began a descent, followed by significant fluctuations in altitude, heading, and airspeed over the next several minutes. Radar contact was lost at 1035:17.
Subsequent investigations revealed that the aircraft suffered an inflight breakup, with debris scattered across a broad area. Recovered components, including the right aileron, right outboard wing panel, horizontal stabilizer, elevators, and portions of the rudder, were located away from the primary wreckage site. These components showed signs of overstress failure, though no evidence of fatigue or pre-existing cracks was identified.
Findings
Analysis of the aircraft's configuration revealed that the gross weight was approximately 4,311 lbs, which exceeded the maximum allowable weight of 4,100 lbs. Additionally, the center of gravity was estimated to be 1.59 inches behind the aft limit. The aircraft was operating in an overweight condition with an aft center of gravity. All four fatalities occurred during the accident.