Background
Prior to departure, the pilot received a weather briefing that concluded with a severe weather warning. The pilot stated that he would attempt the flight anyway and would return if conditions deteriorated too much.
In-Flight Events
Approximately 16 minutes after departure, the pilot requested an updated weather briefing. He was advised of a convective SIGMET, a severe weather watch, and active thunderstorms throughout the area. He was also advised that VFR flight was not recommended. Despite these advisories, the flight continued.
Emergency Request
Twelve minutes later, the flight contacted Dover Approach Control and requested immediate radar vectors to the nearest lighted airport. Subsequently, the radar target was lost.
Accident Site
The aircraft was found to have descended into a marsh area in an extreme nose-down attitude.