Incident Overview
At approximately 1005 MST, a pilot received a weather briefing for a flight to Florida with an overnight stay in Texas. The briefing indicated thunderstorm activity along the proposed route. The briefer advised the pilot to obtain an updated briefing before departure and to use enroute flight watch outlets for pilot reports (PIREP).
At 2045, the pilot contacted Phoenix TRACON, stating his intention to land at Phoenix. He reported being in clouds at 17,500 feet. Radio and radar contact was lost at 2049.
Wreckage Discovery
Wreckage was found approximately 28 miles west-northwest of Luke Air Force Base. Portions of both wings were located about 3 miles from the main wreckage site.
Weather Conditions
The weather observation at Luke AFB at 2055 was available (details not provided). A sheriff's deputy dispatched to the scene reported strong winds and heavy electrical storms in the area. A helicopter pilot estimated a ceiling of 1,500 feet overcast.