Background
The flight departed Naples Municipal Airport on a cross-country flight to Key West International Airport. The pilot was cleared to 5,000 feet by Fort Myers Approach and instructed to contact Miami Air Traffic Control Center.
Flight Sequence
The controller transmitted alerts for convective SIGMETs in the vicinity of the flight. The controller cleared the pilot to descend to 4,000 feet and issued the Key West altimeter setting. The pilot requested direct Key West and stated that he believed he could stay outside the warning areas. The controller approved the pilot's request direct Key West, but again told the pilot that if he needed to deviate for weather he could; however, the controller did not provide the pilot with available convective intensity level information.
The controller made several attempts to reestablish contact with the pilot and was unsuccessful. According to recorded radar data, the airplane entered an area of heavy thunderstorms. Review of radar data revealed that the airplane disappeared from radar coverage approximately 18 miles south of Marco Island, Florida.
Search and Debris
During the search and rescue, debris was located; it consisted of a passenger-briefing card, wheel assembly, seat back, and oxygen bottle. However, the main wreckage was not located.
ATC Procedures
The FAA Order 7110.65, "Air Traffic Control," paragraph 2-6-4, "Weather and Chaff Services," states: "Issue the level of echo intensity when that information is available."