Accident Flight
A private pilot, who was not instrument rated, departed on a cross-country flight into an area of forecast instrument meteorological conditions (IMC). The forecast included widely scattered thunderstorms, rain, fog, and mist. The pilot did not request or receive any weather briefing services before or during the flight. No flight plan had been filed for the accident airplane within 24 hours of the accident.
According to aircraft radar track data, the airplane was cruising between 200 and 500 feet above ground level while en route to its planned destination. The last two aircraft beacon returns were located 3 to 5 miles northwest of a level-three thunderstorm, as plotted on a composite weather radar image for the corresponding time period. The data indicated that the convective cell was moving toward the northeast and intensifying around the time of the accident. Instrument meteorological conditions with light to moderate turbulence were associated with that convective cell.
Wreckage Examination
The accident site was located about 1.5 miles southeast of the last recorded aircraft beacon return. Examination of the recovered wreckage revealed no evidence of a pre-impact mechanical malfunction. A review of the airframe, engine, and propeller records found no history of unresolved airworthiness issues.