Background
A flight departed Treasure Cay International Airport, Abaco Island, Bahamas, en route to Fort Pierce, Florida. The pilot contacted Miami Air Route Traffic Control Center (ZMA) after departure and requested an IFR clearance to Fort Pierce.
Air Traffic Control Communications
The ZMA controller radar identified the airplane and issued a clearance to Fort Pierce via direct Freeport, direct Fort Pierce, at an altitude of 10,000 feet. The airplane proceeded west along Grand Bahamas Island until reaching Freeport, then turned northwest toward Fort Pierce.
Weather Information Handling
During interviews, air traffic controllers stated that SIGMET information relevant to the airplane's route of flight was transmitted on the frequency while the airplane was in contact. However, both controllers acknowledged that they observed precipitation return in the vicinity of the airplane's route but never advised the pilot of those observations.
Radar Data
Radar data indicated that the airplane passed through an area of intense weather radar echoes. The echoes were associated with thunderstorms containing intense rain, updrafts and downdrafts, at least moderate turbulence, horizontal wind gusts, and instrument meteorological conditions (IMC).
Applicable Regulation
FAA Order 7110.65, "Air Traffic Control," paragraph 2-6-4, "Weather and Chaf Services," states: "Issue the level of echo intensity when that information is available."