Flight Details
The pilot and passenger had flown from Bermuda Dunes to Yucca Valley, California, on a business flight. They reportedly terminated their business early because weather was building over the mountains between Yucca Valley and Bermuda Dunes. During the return trip, the pilot reported that he had proceeded to a point where Bermuda Dunes was in sight, but elected to divert back to the High Desert Airport (near Yucca Valley) to obtain fuel.
Accident Sequence
At approximately 1420 Pacific Standard Time, the pilot and passenger took off again for Bermuda Dunes. Subsequently, the aircraft impacted rising terrain near the top of a mountain ridge along the expected route.
Weather Conditions
Several sources reported that the weather had deteriorated in the vicinity of the crash site. The owner of the High Desert Airport stated that when the aircraft departed after refueling, the weather towards Palm Springs was IFR. The owner of a helicopter agricultural operation near Desert Hot Springs stated that the weather buildup over the mountains was not conducive to VFR flight operations.