Background
The flight was receiving flight following services from Jacksonville Approach Control. The pilot held a student pilot certificate that had expired 1 year and 10 months prior to the occurrence.
Event Sequence
Shortly after the pilot reported to Approach Control that he was descending out of 4,500 feet in preparation for landing at St. Augustine, Florida, radar and radio contact were lost.
Witness Account
A witness stated that he could hear the aircraft flying low and that the engine was running at a steady cruising speed until he heard the aircraft impact the ground.
Weather Conditions
The weather in the Jacksonville area was instrument flight conditions.
Pilot Certification
The pilot held a student pilot certificate which had expired 1 year and 10 months prior to this occurrence.