Pilot Communications
During a return flight to Stone Mountain Airport, the pilot contacted approach control and requested vectors to Gwinnett County Airport at Lawrenceville, Georgia. The pilot reported that he had been avoiding thunderstorms and that conditions were becoming dark. Several minutes later, he asked how to activate the runway lights and mentioned that he had the rotating beacon in sight.
Observations at the Airport
A certified flight instructor (CFI) at the airport observed the aircraft fly overhead at an altitude of 300 to 400 feet, generally aligned with Runway 7. At that time, the runway lights were not illuminated because the main circuit breaker had been tripped by a lightning strike.
Descent and Wreckage
The aircraft was then seen entering a wings-level, steep descent. The descent continued until the aircraft was obscured from view by rain and fog. The wreckage was subsequently located approximately one-quarter mile east of the departure end of Runway 7. Examination of the wreckage revealed that the flap actuator was in the mechanical position corresponding to a 40-degree flap setting.