Departure and Flight Planning
An instrument-rated pilot and three passengers departed Palo Alto, California, for an intended three-hour day VFR flight to Santa Ana, California, with the final destination being Mexico. The pilot had not flown at night or on instruments in over six years. Due to forecast marginal weather, the pilot elected to delay departure until 1611 Pacific Standard Time.
En Route Communications and Weather
During the flight, the pilot did not communicate with air traffic control or flight service stations. Upon arrival in Southern California at night, marginal VFR weather conditions were encountered. A localized area of moderate to heavy rain existed over Upland, approximately 28 miles north of Santa Ana.
Final Approach and Accident
The aircraft was observed circling Cable Airport. While south of the airport and flying on a northerly heading at cruise speed, it descended and crashed into an unpopulated and dark area of level terrain.