What happened
The aircraft vanished from radar coverage while executing a descent from 4,000 feet MSL to 2,000 feet MSL. At the time of the incident, SIGMET Bravo 3 was active for the accident area, warning of moderate to severe turbulence caused by strong low-level winds and potential low-level windshear below 4,000 feet MSL.
The pilot had been cleared to descend to 2,000 feet at 2312 and acknowledged the transmission. Shortly after, at 2312+41, the pilot was instructed to change radio frequencies and acknowledged this instruction. At 2313, the approach controller lost radar contact with the flight and attempted to call the aircraft, but no further radio communication was established.
At 2318, residents near Brooksville reported seeing a small aircraft crash in the area.
The investigation
Analysis of ATC radar ITAP readouts indicated that the aircraft's speed before losing contact was approximately 168 knots. This figure is significant because the PA-32-301 pilot's handbook specifies a VA speed of 110 knots as the limitation for turbulent air penetration.
Findings
The investigation revealed that the flight had not received in-flight weather briefings. The aircraft was operating well above its recommended speed limit for penetrating turbulent conditions, coinciding with active SIGMET warnings for severe turbulence and windshear.