Accident Overview
The flight was operating in an area of isolated thunderstorms. While en route at 6,000 feet, air traffic control cleared the pilot to descend to 5,000 feet. The pilot acknowledged the clearance, after which no further radio communication occurred. Shortly thereafter, radar contact with the aircraft was lost.
Witness Accounts
Witnesses reported hearing the aircraft descending rapidly before it crashed into a lake. At the time of the crash, heavy rain and strong winds were observed over the lake.
Recovery and Evidence
A large portion of the aircraft was recovered from the lake. Examination revealed that all components necessary for flight were attached to the aircraft at impact. The evidence indicated the aircraft struck the water in a right-wing-down and nose-low attitude. The propeller showed damage consistent with being under power at the time of the accident.
Pilot Background
The pilot had received his instrument rating approximately 48 days before the accident. He had accumulated about 25 hours of actual instrument flight time and 50 hours of simulated instrument flight time.