Weather Conditions
Local residents reported severe weather including intense thunderstorms, hail, and high winds. Within a quarter mile of the impact site, trees were blown down in various directions, and heavy foliage was overturned in inconsistent patterns. Witnesses described visibility reduced to a few hundred meters in the storms.
Accident Site
Impact occurred in a flood plain that was flooded, submerging the wreckage. The area exhibited signs of strong, erratic winds.
Flight Progress
En route and destination weather forecasts had indicated visual meteorological conditions (VMC), but a large thunderstorm cell was positioned near the proposed flight route. At 1048, the pilot reported to air traffic control that he was at 4,000 feet; however, radar data showed the aircraft at 3,000 feet. Subsequent attempts to contact the pilot were unsuccessful. The last radar return showed the aircraft descending through 2,000 feet.
Investigation
The investigation is ongoing. No probable cause has been stated in the official source.