What happened
On the night of the accident, a private pilot and three passengers were operating an aircraft in instrument meteorological conditions. After takeoff, the flight encountered a rapidly moving line of thunderstorms. Approximately 15 minutes before the accident, the pilot contacted the Wichita Automated Flight Service Station (AFSS), reporting his position 4 miles north of the airport and stating his intention to conduct a local flight.
The AFSS briefer advised the pilot that severe thunderstorms were immediately to the west and expected them to reach the area within five minutes, specifically recommending against flying in the vicinity. The pilot responded that he was turning around to return to the departure airport. There were no further communications from the aircraft.
Witnesses near the accident site reported heavy rain and wind obscuring visibility shortly before the impact. One witness observed a low-flying aircraft banking toward the northwest at the same time a lightning strike occurred nearby. The wreckage was located the following morning in a field north of the witness's residence. At the time of the accident, weather at the departure airport included winds gusting to 23 knots, visibility of only 1/2 mile, and thunderstorms. A convective SIGMET for severe thunderstorms was in effect.
The investigation
The investigation examined weather radar data, which showed a line of thunderstorms moving through the area. Data indicated the eastern edge of the storm line arrived approximately 30 minutes before the accident, and the line had passed the area about 25 minutes after the accident.
A toxicology report from the FAA Civil Aero Medical Institute was conducted on the pilot. The results showed a blood alcohol level of 54 mg/dL (0.054 percent by weight).