Background
The pilot, who was not rated for instrument flight, contacted an FAA Automated Flight Service Station twice before departure. The first call, made 47 minutes before departure, included a briefing on convective sigmet and airmet information after the pilot stated the flight would be under instrument flight rules. The second call, 29 minutes before departure, involved an abbreviated weather briefing and filing of an instrument flight rules flight plan.
Flight History
After takeoff, air traffic control communications were transferred through multiple facilities. While in contact with Memphis Air Route Traffic Control Center, the pilot briefly contacted the Greenwood Automated Flight Service Station, stating he was in the Meridian MOA and asking whether he would "...beat that line of storms uhh that was headed eastbound." The briefing specialist advised the pilot of a severe thunderstorm watch and recommended landing at Meridian, saying, "[Your] best bet is to probably to turn and land at meridian at this point and time I don't think [your] going to be able to beat that." The pilot acknowledged and requested to land at Meridian.
Upon re-establishing contact with Memphis ARTCC, the pilot requested to land at Meridian. At 1112, the controller advised there was a large cell of heavy weather between his position and Meridian, with better conditions near Greenwood, Mississippi. The pilot then stated he would proceed to the destination on a heading of 187 degrees. At 1121, the pilot requested to descend to 6,000 feet, but communications were transferred to Jackson Air Traffic Control Tower. Contact with that facility was lost at 1124, and communications were not recorded.
Accident Sequence
NTSB radar data showed the airplane proceeded southwest until near Starkville, Mississippi, then turned west. Near Kilmichael, Mississippi, it turned left and flew south at 8,000 feet with an average ground speed of 125 knots until 1121:51. The airplane then began a right turn to 220 degrees and descended at 440 feet per minute. At 1123:03, it entered a right descending turn with a descent rate exceeding 6,000 feet per minute. The last radar target was at 1124:03 at 1,500 feet, located at 32°41'21"N, 089°40'57"W. A search located the wreckage the following day.
Wreckage Examination
The main wreckage, including the fuselage, was found approximately 0.24 nautical mile from the last radar target at a heading of 243 degrees, in a heavily wooded area. The left wing and both sides of the horizontal stabilator were separated from the airplane. No evidence of preexisting cracks was found on the fracture surfaces. Examination of flight controls and the engine revealed no preimpact failure or malfunction. No in-flight or post-crash fire was observed.
Toxicology and Evidence
Toxicological analysis detected tetrahydrocannabinol (0.0034 ug/ml in blood), tetrahydrocannabinol carboxylic acid (0.0167 ug/g in blood, 0.2324 ug/g in bile), and doxylamine (not quantified) in blood and liver. Drug paraphernalia and a green leaf substance consistent with marijuana were found in the wreckage.
Weather Conditions
A weather report indicated better conditions existed in Greenwood at the time of the controller's recommendation. The airplane entered an area of high reflectivity (about 45 dBZ), corresponding to a very strong cell. Clouds were present throughout the region.