Flight Planning and Departure
A noninstrument-rated private pilot, a foreign national, embarked on a solo cross-country flight to fulfill experience requirements for commercial pilot certification. The pilot received a weather briefing from Flight Service Station (FSS) and was advised that VFR flight was not recommended. Despite this, the pilot filed a VFR flight plan and departed from Ogden, Utah.
Stop in Caldwell and Return Leg
The pilot arrived in Caldwell, Idaho, refueled, and obtained another FSS weather briefing. Again, the pilot was advised that VFR flight was not recommended. The pilot filed another VFR flight plan and departed Caldwell en route back to Ogden.
Radar Observations and Maneuvering
Radar data indicated that the pilot did not track the airway to Malad City, Idaho, but instead followed a highway to the vicinity of Tremonton, Utah. There, the aircraft was observed maneuvering within a 'primary weather cell.'
Wreckage Discovery
The wreckage was located three days later within 0.1 mile of the last radar contact. No further details about the aircraft or pilot condition were provided in the source.