Departure and Weather Conditions
Prior to departure, the pilot noted thunderstorms and lightning to the north of the airport. The weather at the time of the accident was instrument meteorological conditions (IMC) in the area around St. Petersburg. A line of thunderstorms, with levels 3, 4, and 5, and cloud tops reaching 44,000 feet, were present in the area.
Pilot Account
The pilot stated that immediately after takeoff, he remembered a flash of light and a noise. His next recollection was the impact and being in the water.
Witness Observation
A witness, who was a rated pilot, reported that he saw the aircraft depart and climb normally until it entered a low cloud (scud) bank. He then heard the engines suddenly stop.
Subsequent Events
The accident sequence concluded with the aircraft impacting the water.