Flight and Weather Encounter
The flight was operating in an area of level 1 and 2 thunderstorms. The pilot had just called requesting permission to deviate around rain showers. A level 5 thunderstorm was present 8 miles west.
Descent and Witness Observations
The aircraft entered a near-vertical descent, achieving descent rates up to 13,800 feet per minute. Witnesses observed the aircraft exit the bottom of clouds at approximately 4,000 feet in a near-flat attitude and rotating around the yaw axis to the left. Engine sounds increased and decreased as the aircraft rotated, and all components appeared to be present. No smoke or flame was visible.
Collision with Water
At approximately 500 feet above the water, the rotation stopped and the nose dropped to a 30 to 70° nose-down angle. Both engines could be heard increasing in power. Before the recovery could be completed, the aircraft struck the ocean. The pilot, sole on board, was killed.
Probable Cause
The official findings identified three occurrences. Occurrence #1: in flight encounter with weather, with findings of thunderstorm (level II), inadequate in-flight planning/decision by the pilot in command, and weather condition of turbulence (thunderstorms). Occurrence #2: loss of control in flight, with findings of flight into known adverse weather not corrected by the pilot in command, spatial disorientation of the pilot in command, and inadvertent stall/spin by the pilot in command. Occurrence #3: in flight collision with terrain/water during uncontrolled descent.