What happened
The pilot departed Mazatlan, Mexico, at 0632 PST, making stops at Los Mochis and Mexicali in Mexico before landing at Calexico, California, where he cleared U.S. Customs. Prior to departing Calexico, the pilot contacted his family to report that weather conditions had been poor throughout the day. The estimated time of arrival at Yuma, Arizona, was 1730 PST.
When the aircraft did not arrive at its destination, a search operation was initiated. Wreckage was located approximately 17 miles east of Imperial, California. The plane had crashed while flying on a westerly heading. At the time of impact, the aircraft was estimated to be in a 15-degree descent and a 65-degree right bank.
The investigation
Examination of the wreckage revealed no evidence of preimpact part failure or mechanical malfunction. Witnesses reported worsening weather and gusty winds in the vicinity at the presumed time of the crash. Additionally, the co-owner noted that there was a 600-foot error in the altimeter, which the pilot would have compensated for by adjusting the barometer setting.
Findings
Contributing factors included poor weather conditions and gusty winds reported by witnesses near the crash site. The aircraft's deviation from its intended flight path suggests a loss of control or spatial disorientation due to these environmental factors.