Accident Details
An aircraft engaged in a fish-spotting flight crashed on San Clemente Island on a dark night. Such flights are typically flown at altitudes between 1,000 and 2,000 feet above ground level. The accident site was at an elevation of 1,060 feet mean sea level. The aircraft was destroyed in the accident.
Witness Information
A Navy witness on the island reported that, approximately 40 minutes before the estimated time of the crash, the ceiling was zero and visibility was about 200 yards at the accident site.
Aftermath
The pilot was seriously injured in the crash and was hospitalized until June 11. The pilot does not remember the accident. The aircraft was not found until 1415 hours on June 5.