Accident Details
The aircraft collided with rising terrain at the 4,200-foot level, approximately three miles south of elevations reaching 6,800 feet. According to on-duty guards within a mile of the accident site, weather at the time was foggy with light drizzle and north winds at 35 knots. The aircraft crashed on a heading of 180 degrees, with wings level, in a descent at high speed.
Weather and Communications
Prior to the accident, the pilot contacted Ontario Flight Service Station (FSS) and requested pilot reports of weather over Lake Hughes and into Bakersfield. The FSS had no pilot reports available but asked if the pilot was aware of SIGMET Mike 7; the pilot confirmed awareness. The pilot was then given the Bakersfield weather and informed that the Porterville VORTAC was out of service, which he acknowledged. No further radio contact with the aircraft was recorded.
Aftermath
The aircraft did not arrive at Bakersfield. At approximately 1100 PDT the following day, the wreckage was sighted about 19 nautical miles west of Rosamond.