Accident Details
While en route from Savannah, Georgia, to Lake Charles, Louisiana, the pilot encountered severe weather conditions during the cruise phase of flight. Heavy rainfall and turbulence were reported. While flying in clouds, the pilot lost control of the airplane, which subsequently entered a dive and crashed into an open field. The aircraft was destroyed. The pilot, who was the sole occupant, was killed.
Weather Conditions
The weather conditions at the time included heavy rain and fog, with a low ceiling. The pilot had received a weather briefing that included a current SIGMET calling for thunderstorms embedded in the weather along the intended route.
Probable Cause
The official investigation determined the probable cause to be that the pilot continued flying under Visual Flight Rules (VFR) into adverse weather conditions. Contributing factors included spatial disorientation, low ceiling, rain, and fog.