Flight Details
A student pilot departed Van Nuys, California at approximately 1530 Pacific Daylight Time on a round-robin cross-country flight to Turlock, California. The flight was a combination of personal and training purposes. The pilot's certified flight instructor (CFI) verbally approved the flight but did not endorse the student's logbook.
Events Leading to the Accident
The student arrived at Turlock at about 1830 PDT. After refueling the airplane and having dinner with friends, he departed on the return flight at approximately 2000 PDT. After passing Newhall Pass, about 15 miles north of Van Nuys Airport, the student observed an overcast cloud condition; however, he could see the valley lights through the overcast.
Assistance Attempt
The student radioed Burbank Approach Control for assistance, stating he was not sure of his position. Burbank was unable to radar identify the airplane at low altitude. The student did not attempt to proceed to an alternate where visual flight rules (VFR) conditions existed, as previously instructed by his CFI.
Accident
The student tried continuing through the overcast and subsequently crashed on a 20-degree rising slope on a westerly heading, in about a 15-degree nose-up attitude.