Incident Overview
The pilot reported encountering marginal weather conditions with thunderstorms (TSTMs) and diverted to Peru, Indiana. Upon arrival, thunderstorms were also present there. The pilot contacted Grissom Approach Control and, after some difficulty with radio reception, obtained vectors to divert to Logansport, Indiana. By that time, the aircraft was surrounded by thunderstorms.
Encounter with Thunderstorm
At an altitude of 2,500 feet, the pilot encountered heavy rain with no forward visibility. He reported flying into a thunderstorm and experiencing severe turbulence. He stated that "the gyros tumbled," and he thought the aircraft was spinning. The aircraft then exited the storm inverted at an altitude of about 400 feet. The pilot recovered from the unusual attitude and elected to land.
Landing and Damage
During the landing, the left wing tip contacted the ground, and the aircraft was damaged as it skidded to a stop.
Post-Accident Findings
Police and medical personnel noted the odor of alcohol coming from the pilot's breath. A sample of blood was drawn from the pilot approximately 3-3/4 hours after the accident. A toxicology check of the sample showed the pilot had a blood alcohol level of 0.16%. The pilot was denied a medical certificate after heart surgery in 1975.