Accident Overview
The airplane was destroyed after impacting the terrain in a muddy soybean field. The private pilot, who was not instrument rated, had been concerned about the weather and delayed the takeoff until about 1200, according to a witness.
Weather Conditions
A 1258 special weather observation from a station 20 miles northwest of the accident site reported winds from 260 degrees at 8 knots gusting to 18 knots, visibility 3/4 miles, an overcast ceiling at 200 feet, and lightning distant in all quadrants. A subsequent 1319 special weather observation indicated winds from 070 degrees at 7 knots, visibility 7 miles, scattered clouds at 400 feet and 1,700 feet, an overcast ceiling at 2,300 feet, and lightning distant in all quadrants.
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) Meteorology Factual report stated that the general route of flight indicated operations under light to moderate weather echoes for the majority of the flight, a brief break in the echoes until just prior to encountering intense to extreme echoes in the general vicinity of the accident site.
Witness Reports
A witness located approximately one mile north of the accident site reported a heavy downpour of rain (1.0 inch measured), high winds, pea size hail, and lightning between approximately 1315 and 1330.
Aircraft Inspection
Inspection of the airplane wreckage revealed no preexisting anomalies to the airframe or engine.