Socata TB20 N654GT accident near Pavo, Georgia

Probable cause

The pilot’s continued visual flight into instrument meteorological conditions, with embedded intense thunderstorms, heavy rain, and severe to extreme turbulence, resulting in an in-flight separation of the left wing due to overstress.

NTSB analysis

The pilot left the departure airport on a visual flight rules flight. He did not file a flight plan. While over the accident site, the pilot entered into instrument meteorological conditions, with multiple layers of clouds, rain, and mist. Weather reporting locations near the accident site reported instrument flight rules conditions with thunderstorms and rain, ceiling overcast at 500 to 600 feet above ground level. The National Weather Service area forecast expected widely scattered to numerous rain showers and thunderstorms over the region at the time of the accident. Examination of the crash site indicated that the left wing separated from the airplane in an upward direction while in flight. Fractures in the wing spar were consistent with overstress separation. Examination of the aircraft and engine showed no evidence of precrash failure or malfunction prior to separation of the left wing.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for ERA09FA487 for the full record.