Accident Details
On an evening at approximately 2200 PST, a pilot and passenger departed Mendocino County Airport in a dark night. The pilot did not activate the runway lights before takeoff, which was directed toward the ocean. After becoming airborne, the aircraft turned onto a southerly heading over an area described as having 'very few ground lights.' Approximately one mile south of the airport, the aircraft crashed into a redwood forest.
Earlier that day, the pilot and passenger had arrived at the airport around 1630 PST, obtained a car, and drove to Mendocino for dinner. During the evening, they consumed several drinks and shared a bottle of wine with their meal before returning to the airport.
Investigation Findings
Examination of the accident site revealed that the initial impact occurred while the aircraft was descending in a shallow dive on a westerly heading. Investigators found no evidence of any preimpact part failure or malfunction. A toxicology test of the pilot showed an alcohol concentration of 0.204%.
The pilot's logbook indicated that the last recorded night flight was dated May 15, 1983, suggesting a lack of recent night flying experience.