Flight Details
The pilot, who was not instrument rated, delayed departure for two days prior to the accident. He had jury duty scheduled at his destination on the day following the accident. No evidence indicated that the pilot received a weather briefing before departure.
Weather Conditions
The pilot departed under visual meteorological conditions (VMC) but encountered intense level 5 thunderstorms. These storms contained heavy rain and moderate to severe, possibly extreme, turbulence. The thunderstorms were embedded in clouds layered to about 10,000 feet. Existing weather forecasts were substantially correct, and there was adequate warning of thunderstorm activity.
Accident Sequence
At the time of the accident, the aircraft was in the vicinity of the thunderstorms. Impact occurred at approximately 80 degrees nose down in a muddy field. The engine was recovered from a crater 20 feet deep. All components of the airplane were found in or around the impact crater.
Wreckage
The aircraft was completely destroyed, with all parts located in or near the impact crater. The engine had penetrated the ground to a depth of 20 feet. The debris field was contained within the immediate area of the impact site.