Piper PA-34-200T Seneca II | N212ML

The DTSB determines the Probable Cause of this accident to be Pilot Error, in that the pilot did penetrate an extremely strong storm cell while on an IFR flight plan, attempting to return to the USA. The aircraft was not equipped with airborne radar, but did have delayed XM weather depiction available which may have given incorrect information to the accident pilot. The aircraft wreckage was found with several parts missing, indicating a likely in flight breakup of the aircraft, and a fall from cruise altitude.

The DTSB recommends that all pilots of all aircraft rehearse and condition themselves to be able to know the dangers of storm cells in light aircraft, and to safely maneuver around such weather by generous margins.