Lancairs are a very high performance single, definatly not recommended for a low time PPL... cruise speed approaching 200 Kts or more, and some models capably of cruise in Flight levels.
i have not flown one, but have heard they are very difficult in the stall and low speed regeim. but being a low time pilot in bad weather, sounds like he suffered the fate of many a untrained pilot when entering cloud. (if he was not IFR rated)