Flight Briefing
The pilot received a full weather briefing from a Flight Service Station (FSS) on the morning of the accident. The briefer informed the pilot that moderate turbulence and icing were present along the intended route, and that isolated thundershowers were forecast. The briefer advised the pilot to call for an update just prior to departure.
Departure and Flight
The pilot departed approximately three hours after the briefing without contacting the FSS for an update. After a 15-minute delay, the pilot received an IFR clearance and proceeded on course.
Accident Sequence
About 35 minutes after departure, while cruising at 16,000 feet, the pilot reported, "in the clouds and the bumps are big time." Approximately three minutes later, the pilot radioed, "in a dive and I don't..." The airplane then impacted terrain in a nose-down, inverted attitude and exploded.
Meteorological Conditions
Analysis of recorded radar and meteorological data indicated that the airplane encountered a thunderstorm, strong updrafts, downdrafts, and turbulence.
Probable Cause and Contributing Factors
The probable cause was the pilot's attempt to fly in adverse meteorological conditions, which led to a loss of aircraft control. Contributing factors included the pilot's failure to obtain the most current meteorological information prior to departure, a thunderstorm, and turbulence.