Accident Overview
A non-instrument rated private pilot elected to depart on a night cross-country flight after receiving two weather briefings that advised of current thunderstorm activity near the departure airport. Witnesses at the airport described the weather conditions as moderate to heavy rain, strong gusty winds, visibility of 5 miles or less, and multiple lightning strikes in the immediate vicinity of the airport.
Witness Observations
A witness observed the airplane take off, turn downwind, and then enter "an abrupt descent and explode on impact." Radar data revealed that the airplane was airborne for approximately 3 minutes.
Search and Site Conditions
The crew of a helicopter that participated in the search for the airplane reported that the accident site was "in a very dark area with hardly any ground lights" and reported difficulty seeing outside their aircraft "due to the darkness of the night."
Aircraft Examination
Examination of the airframe and engine did not reveal evidence of any structural or mechanical anomalies.
Pilot Experience
The pilot had 1.5 hours total instrument time and 10.8 hours total night time.