Primary finding
Probable cause
VFR flight by the pilot into instrument meteorological conditions, his failure to maintain control of the airplane due to spatial disorientation, and the pilot allowing the design stress limits of the aircraft to be exceeded. Factors related to the accident were failure of the pilot to obtain a preflight weather briefing, darkness, and the adverse weather condiiton.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The student pilot and his two passengers departed the airport during hours of darkness. A weather briefing was not obtained. The flight was over mountainous terrain and encountered low clouds and heavy snowfall. Witnesses heard the airplane overhead but could not see it until it descended out from the clouds in a 'twisting' motion. The left wing had separated in flight in positive bending, followed by the rudder. The remainder of the airplane impacted terrain about 1000 feet from the left wing. No pre impact mechanical malfunctions were found with the airframe or engine. The pilot had recently purchased the airplane and did not obtain flight training in it.
Source record
Factual narrative
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