Flight Preparation and Takeoff
The flight departed at approximately 1200 hours. According to witness accounts, the pilot and two passengers had been awake all or most of the previous night and had consumed alcoholic beverages until at least 0100 PDT. One witness stated that the pilot was denied further alcoholic drinks at 0100, but the three men remained at the bar until the witness went off duty at 0400. Later, the witness saw them at another bar at about 1100, but could not recall if they were drinking.
Accident Sequence
The aircraft was a Piper PA-20, previously converted from a PA-22. After takeoff, the pilot reported that he continued climbing southbound for approximately 12 miles, then turned east to cross over a mountain range. Subsequently, the aircraft encountered downdrafts and began losing altitude. The pilot attempted to make a 180-degree left turn away from rising terrain, but the aircraft settled into trees and crashed to the ground. There were no preimpact mechanical problems reported.
Post-Crash Events
The pilot, although seriously injured, walked from the crash site. He obtained assistance at approximately 1840 and was taken to a hospital. The aircraft and the other occupants were found the following morning during an air search.