Incident Overview
At approximately 2015 Central Daylight Time, a pilot contacted the San Angelo tower and expressed concern that the aircraft might be damaged by hail from weather that was building in the area. Tower personnel relayed available weather information and provided phone numbers for the weather bureau and a local flight service station.
Weather Conditions
A tornado watch was in effect for northwest portions of the Concho Valley. Additionally, there was a severe thunderstorm warning for Coke County until 2300 Central Daylight Time. At about the time the pilot arrived at the airport, thunderstorms were building to the north.
Witness Observations
Witnesses reported that the pilot hurriedly started the aircraft, taxied, and took off, then departed to the east. An airline aircrew observed heavy thunderstorms, precipitation, and lightning east of the airport. A witness east of the airport observed the aircraft bouncing in turbulence as it passed over his home. He stated that the aircraft was headed toward weather that had just passed. Another witness saw the aircraft turn back toward the airport, then descend until it disappeared behind trees.
Accident Description
The aircraft crashed at night in a level, wooded area.