Primary finding
Probable cause
The pilot in command's exceeding the design stress limits of the aircraft.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The pilot departed on an IFR flight plan on a route which he had been advised contained forecast and reported thunderstorm activity with the possibility of icing and turbulence. At 15,000 feet he reported encountering rain and icing and requested a lower altitude. After being cleared to 13,000 feet the airplane was observed to accelerate to 6,250 feet per minute on radar data. Shortly after this the fuselage was observed by a ground witness to descend out of a cloud with no wings or tail. Examination of the wreckage failed to reveal any pre-existing mechanical anomalies.
Source record
Factual narrative
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