FTW94FA208

The left wing of the airplane separated from the airplane in flight as the non-instrument rated pilot attempted to maneuver the airplane under a line of severe convective activity along his route of flight. Residents in the area reported severe thunderstorms and heavy rain showers with winds gusting to 50 mph and visibilities as low as a quarter of a mile. The weather briefing provided to the pilot approximately two hours prior to his departure advised him of the developing area of heavy thunderstorm activity and the pilot was advised that VFR flight was not recommended. The wreckage was found 3 days later dispersed for over a half a mile. The left wing was found at the farthest point from the main wreckage, separated in an upward and aft direction. Continuity was established to all flight controls. Examination of the airplane and engine at the accident site did not disclose any mechanical problems.

History of flight

On June 19, 1994, at approximately 1520 central daylight time, a Piper PA-28R-201T, N9766K, was destroyed upon impact with terrain following a loss of control near Southard, Oklahoma. The non-instrument rated private pilot was fatally injured. Instrument meteorological conditions prevailed throughout the area for the personal flight.

According to friends of the pilot, the airplane departed the Albuquerque International Airport at 1230 CDT, on a VFR cross country flight to Tulsa, Oklahoma. No flight plan was filed for the flight. There were no reported eye witnesses to this accident.

Personnel information

The non-instrument rated pilot was issued a private pilot certificate on October 11, 1992. Friends of the pilot reported that he made the same round trip several times a month to visit a friend in Albuquerque.

Meteorological information

According to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), the pilot called the Albuquerque Flight Service Station at 1018 and requested and was issued an abbreviated weather briefing for the flight to Tulsa, Oklahoma. The briefing advised the pilot of the developing area of heavy thunderstorm activity and the pilot was advised that VFR flight was not recommended.

Several residents within three miles of the accident site concurred in the presence and severity of the thunderstorm activity. Their estimate of the prevailing visibilities at the time of the accident varied from a quarter of a mile, to two and a half miles.

Communications

According to Air Traffic Control, the pilot received VFR traffic advisories from Albuquerque Center while eastbound at 13,500 feet. After being handed off to the Kansas City Center, the airplane was forced to deviate south of course and descend below radar coverage altitude as the pilot attempted to maneuver under a line of convective activity.

Radar services were terminated at 1433 as the airplane crossed the 309 degree radial from the Sayre VOR, at 33 miles, while the airplane was eastbound descending to 7,500 feet. The transcripts from all pertinent en route communication between the airplane and the ATC facilities are enclosed in this report.

Wreckage and impact information

The wreckage was located 3 days later dispersed over a half a mile in an open field on a measured heading of 060 degrees. The left wing of the airplane was found at the farthest point from the main wreckage. Physical evidence demonstrated that the left wing separated in an upward and aft direction. See the enclosed wreckage distribution diagram for wreckage distribution pattern.

On-scene investigation revealed that the wing flaps and the landing gears were in the retracted position. The powerplant remained attached to the airframe, and the propeller assembly was found separated at the propeller flange. Continuity was established to all flight controls. Examination of the airplane and engine at the accident site did not disclose any mechanical problems or pre-impact discrepancies.

Medical and pathological information

An autopsy and toxicological tests were ordered and performed. The autopsy was performed by Fred B. Jordan, M.D., of the Office of the State Medical Examiner on July 21, 1994. Toxicological tests were negative.

Fire

A post-impact fire destroyed the cockpit/cabin area of the airplane. No evidence of pre-impact fire was found during the investigation.

Additional data

The wreckage was released to the owner's representative following completion of the investigation.