What happened
While operating in cruise flight at an altitude of 27,000 feet, the aircraft encountered intense, unforecasted severe turbulence. Following the onset of the turbulence, the pilot issued a mayday distress call to Jacksonville Center. During the encounter, the aircraft experienced a rapid increase in ground speed, accelerating from 175 knots to 300 knots, while simultaneously descending from 27,000 feet to 16,500 feet. Shortly after this period of instability, the aircraft lost radar contact. Search efforts by local Sheriff Department personnel eventually located the wreckage in a swampy region situated approximately 15 miles north of Homerville, Georgia.
Findings
Investigations into the recovered airframe components conducted by the NTSB Materials laboratory determined that the structural failures were the result of overload. Detailed examinations of the airframe indicated that the stresses placed on the structure had exceeded its design limits. Additionally, it was noted that the pilot had failed to secure a weather briefing prior to the departure of the flight.