Final Report: MU-2 encountered t-storms

Mitsubishi MU-2B-40, Bunnell, Fla., Aug. 25, 2006–The NTSB determined that the crash of the MU-2 resulted from an inadvertent encounter with thunderstorms. The commercial pilot, cruising at FL280, had received a sigmet about convective activity. His onboard weather radar was working, and Jacksonville Center was equipped with Nexrad-derived weather displays, which indicated weak to moderate echoes above FL240. Several flights requested deviations and the accident pilot at first declined, then accepted, a deviation. He was unable to maintain 28,000 feet and went straight in. The pilot and his passenger were killed.