Flight Encounter
During a nighttime return flight to Decatur, Alabama, the pilot noted that the weather radar was inoperative. Despite forecasted thunderstorms, the pilot visually avoided them. While maneuvering around the storms, the pilot observed a reduction in engine power, a slight yaw, indications of fuel flow irregularity, and that both left and right boost pumps were inoperative. Around the same time, the pilot reported seeing a white arc that appeared to jump from the prop, spinner, or nacelle area to the aircraft's nose.
Diversion and Approach
Due to the weather conditions, the pilot elected to divert to Paducah. After the airport was in sight, the pilot needed to lose altitude before landing and was cleared to make a 360° turn. During the turn, the pilot lost sight of the airport, then rolled out on the wrong heading and began flying toward a strobe light at an industrial complex. When the pilot realized the error and saw the airport, he turned toward the runway. While maneuvering, the aircraft lost altitude, struck trees, and crashed.
Examination
An examination of the engines and fuel pumps revealed no indication of a preimpact failure. No physical evidence of a lightning strike was found, but the nose and engines were badly damaged from the impact.