Accident Overview
A non-instrument rated pilot conducted a visual flight rules (VFR) flight over the Everglades during the hours of darkness. The aircraft impacted swampy terrain at a high rate of speed while in a 90-degree left bank, resulting in disintegration upon impact.
Location and Environment
The accident site was in a desolate area of the Everglades National Park. A park ranger pilot who arrived after the accident reported no ground lights and no discernible horizon during the nighttime hours, making visual navigation challenging.
Weather Conditions
A convective SIGMET was issued approximately 25 minutes after the flight's departure. It is unknown whether the flight received this information. Surface weather observations at Fort Myers, located about 50 miles northwest of the accident site, indicated broken clouds at 4,500 feet and visibility of 7 miles. Satellite imagery showed thunderstorms in the vicinity of the accident area.
Post-Accident Assessment
The aircraft was destroyed by impact forces. No other details regarding occupants or injuries were provided by the source.