What happened
The aircraft, a Piper PA-24-250, was operating under instrument flight rules when it collided with terrain. Prior to departure, the pilot obtained a weather briefing from Flight Service Station (FSS). During the en route portion of the flight, air traffic control lost radio and radar contact with the aircraft, though this contact was subsequently regained.
At that time, the pilot informed air traffic control that the aircraft had been struck by lightning. Despite this report, the pilot elected to continue the flight to the intended destination. Radar contact was lost again while the pilot was executing a frequency change. Witnesses observed the aircraft descending in a vertical spiral before impacting the ground vertically.
Weather reports and forecasts indicated that thunderstorms, turbulence, and lightning were present along the flight path. Pilot reports confirmed moderate to severe turbulence in the vicinity of the accident site, within 1,000 feet of the aircraft's cruise altitude.
The investigation
A review of the pilot's logbook revealed that he was not current for instrument flight rules at the time of the accident. An examination of the wreckage did not disclose damage consistent with a lightning strike.