Accident Details
The pilot, who was not instrument rated, departed on a cross-country flight at night. After being advised of weather conditions along the route, the pilot requested and received radar advisories from air traffic control. Shortly afterward, the pilot reported being in a storm. For approximately 10 minutes, the radar controller communicated with the pilot, providing assistance. During this time, the pilot reported being in terrible weather conditions and encountering bad turbulence.
Passenger Communications
At one point, the passenger began speaking on the radio on behalf of the pilot. The passenger stated that they were "in trouble, in big trouble" and were trying to fly straight and level. The passenger's last transmission was: "We're 2000 going up and down, we're going down."
Witness Account
A farmer was awakened by the sound of the aircraft circling his house. He heard the aircraft climbing and diving before it crashed. The aircraft subsequently impacted rising ground in an area of rolling terrain. The witness reported that the wind was blowing and rain was falling at the time.
Investigation
Post-accident examination found no preimpact mechanical malfunction or failure of the aircraft.