Background
The accident occurred during a personal flight conducted under visual flight rules (VFR) with a destination of Santa Barbara, California. The flight took place at night under a dark overcast sky with light rain, conditions described as marginal VFR.
Accident Sequence
Ground witnesses reported observing the aircraft following a highway at an altitude of approximately 200 feet above ground level (AGL) just before the accident. The pilot stated that he inadvertently began following the wrong highway. In an effort to correct this, he initiated a left turn to reverse direction. During this turn, the aircraft collided with rising terrain.
Pilot Report
The pilot and a passenger were aboard the aircraft. According to their statements, the aircraft and its engine were performing normally prior to the accident. No further details regarding the aircraft or the flight were provided.