What happened
A flight departed from Treasure Cay International Airport on Abaco Island, Bahamas, destined for Fort Pierce, Florida. After departing the airport, the pilot contacted the Miami Air Route Traffic Control Center (ZMA) to request IFR clearance. The controller identified the aircraft on radar and issued clearance to proceed via Freeport and then directly to Fort Pierce at 10,000 feet.
As the aircraft traveled west along Grand Bahamas Island and subsequently turned northwest toward Florida, it entered an area of intense weather. Radar data indicated that the Cessna (type not specified in source) passed through radar echoes containing thunderstorms characterized by intense rain, up and downdrafts, moderate turbulence, horizontal wind gusts, and IMC conditions.
The investigation
During the investigation, interviews were conducted with air traffic controllers. It was revealed that while SIGMET information relevant to the flight route had been broadcast during the period the aircraft was on frequency, the controllers had observed precipitation returns in the vicinity of the aircraft's route. However, these specific observations were not communicated to the pilot.
Findings
The investigation noted that according to FAA order 7110.65, air traffic controllers should issue the level of echo intensity when such information is available. In this instance, although controllers observed precipitation returns near the aircraft's path, they did not advise the pilot of these observations.