Flight Details
At 1830, the pilot received a weather briefing for a planned flight from Fair Oaks to San Jose, California, with a passenger pickup stop at Sacramento. During the briefing, the pilot was advised that he should be able to make the trip if he traveled below 4000 feet MSL and departed within the next hour. The pilot flew to Sacramento and, after picking up a passenger, took off at 1956 for San Jose.
Accident Sequence
Approximately 30 minutes after departure from Sacramento, the aircraft crashed about 43 miles west-southwest of Sacramento. At the time of the crash, the aircraft was on a northeast heading at an elevation of 600 feet MSL. The crash site was located on rising terrain in the foothills, approximately 32 miles to the right (west) of the straight-line navigational route between Sacramento and San Jose.
Weather Conditions
Local residents heard the aircraft and saw a fire from the crash. They reported that the weather was poor with low clouds, rain, gusty winds, and lightning.
Examination
An examination of the crash site revealed that the aircraft impacted in a 60- to 90-degree right wing down, slightly nose low attitude. No preimpact mechanical malfunction or failure was found.