Narrative
On a flight en route, the pilot was cleared to deviate 20 degrees left of course to avoid thunderstorm activity that air traffic control radar showed to the right of the flight path. The pilot reported turbulence but declined to descend to a lower altitude despite a pilot report of clear weather below. Shortly thereafter, the pilot reported being "in a cell" with turbulence. Radar and radio contact with the aircraft were subsequently lost. Another pilot, who flew approximately 15 miles further south, reported no weather but noted extreme weather to the north with near-constant lightning. The aircraft, N340MV, impacted the ground in a steep nose-down, left wing low attitude after descending 14,000 feet. The landing gear was extended at the time of impact.
Wreckage Examination
An examination of the wreckage revealed no preimpact structural failure or aircraft component malfunction. Additionally, the wreckage showed no evidence of weather damage from hail or lightning.
Weather Conditions
Weather information showed that there was high-altitude thunderstorm activity with turbulence in the area at the time of the accident.