Incident Timeline
At 2132, the pilot contacted the Flight Service Station (FSS), reporting the aircraft's position and noting lightning to the east. The pilot requested weather information for the surrounding area. In response, FSS personnel advised the pilot of thunderstorm activity and deteriorating conditions, stating that VFR flight was not recommended. The pilot was also advised to reverse course. At 2145, the aircraft impacted a mountain.
Weather Conditions
Radar summaries for 2135 indicated thunderstorm rainshower activity over north central Pennsylvania. A cell with an intensity level between 1 and 4 was present along the route between the departure point and Cross Fork, Pennsylvania. The cell's intensity was increasing over the southern portion of the route. The maximum tops recorded were 37,000 feet.