Accident Circumstances
At approximately 0730 Pacific Standard Time, witnesses in the vicinity of the Lytle Creek Ranger Station, located northwest of Rialto, California, reported hearing an aircraft circling at low altitude. Shortly thereafter, they heard the sound of an impact nearby.
Weather Conditions
Weather at the time was described by witnesses as overcast, with zero visibility in fog and light drizzle. The conditions were unfavorable for visual flight.
Pilot Background and Pre-Flight Actions
The pilot, who was not rated for instrument flight, contacted the Tucson, Arizona, Flight Service Station (FSS) by telephone to obtain a weather briefing. During that briefing, the pilot was advised that a Visual Flight Rules (VFR) flight to San Jose, California, was not recommended due to the prevailing weather conditions.
Investigation Findings
Investigation revealed that the pilot proceeded with the flight despite the explicit advisory against VFR operations. No further details about the aircraft, occupants, or post-impact events were provided in the source.