Preflight Briefing
During a preflight weather briefing, the pilot was advised numerous times about adverse weather conditions along the planned route. The briefer specifically stated that visual flight rules could not be maintained from Jacksboro, TN, to Rome, GA, and that active tornado watches were in effect. Despite these warnings, the pilot indicated that he would depart shortly after the phone call with the Anniston Flight Service Station.
Flight and Search
The flight had originated in Geneva, Alabama, and was due to return there on May 5, 2003, at approximately 1500 central daylight time, but it never arrived. The pilot did not report any mechanical or flight control anomalies during the flight. On May 5, 2003, the Civil Air Patrol initiated an air search, but activities were postponed due to inclement weather conditions.
Wreckage Discovery
On May 8, 2003, the air search resumed. At 1945 eastern daylight time, air spotters located the wreckage site of the downed airplane. The spotters circled the site until ground crews arrived. At 2330, ground crews made a positive identification of the downed airplane.
Examination
At the conclusion of the airframe and engine examination, no evidence of flight control or mechanical malfunction was identified.