Flight and Weather Conditions
The pilot was conducting a return flight at night to Decatur, Alabama. The weather radar was inoperative, and the pilot visually avoided thunderstorms, which had been forecasted.
Engine Anomalies and Diversion
While maneuvering to avoid thunderstorms, the pilot noted a reduction in engine power, a slight yaw, indications of fuel flow irregularity, and that the left and right boost pumps were inoperative. These occurrences coincided with the pilot observing a white arc that he described as having jumped from the propeller, spinner, or nacelle area to the aircraft's nose. Due to the weather conditions, the pilot elected to divert to Paducah.
Loss of Situational Awareness and Crash
After the airport in Paducah became visible, the pilot needed to lose altitude before landing and was cleared to make a 360-degree turn. While turning, the pilot lost sight of the airport and subsequently rolled out on the wrong heading, initiating flight toward a strobe light at an industrial complex. Upon realizing the error and again seeing the airport, the pilot turned toward the runway. However, while maneuvering, the aircraft lost altitude, struck trees, and crashed.
Post-Accident Examination
Examination of the engines and fuel pumps revealed no indication of a preimpact failure. No physical evidence of a lightning strike was found, although the nose and engines were badly damaged from the impact.