Background
Two student helicopter pilots, who were the owners of the aircraft, planned a return flight from Tucson, Arizona, to Long Beach, California. Before departure, they were advised that VFR flight was not recommended due to low ceiling and visibility at the destination. Neither pilot held a cross-country endorsement.
Flight Progress
The pilots made two fuel stops en route, landing at Gila Bend and Parker, Arizona. At 2124 PST, they contacted TRACON, reporting VFR at 4,500 feet, and received vectors toward Long Beach. Upon arrival, the airport was obscured by a 500-foot overcast ceiling.
Diversion and Descent
With approximately 40 minutes of fuel remaining, the crew requested vectors to the nearest airport with VFR conditions. Ontario International Airport and Norton Air Force Base were the only nearby airports without a ceiling, both reporting about 1 mile visibility in fog and haze. The crew diverted to Ontario and were cleared for a special VFR descent to runway 26L.
Loss of Contact
About three minutes later, while descending through 2,000 feet, their clearance was amended due to possible conflicting traffic. Shortly after, radio and radar contact with the aircraft were lost.
Accident Location and Condition
At 0151, the helicopter was found approximately 1 mile south of Ontario International Airport. The aircraft had impacted terrain in a nose-low, left-bank attitude.
Toxicology
Tests on one student, presumed to be the second-in-command, showed a blood alcohol level of 0.160 percent.