Departure and Weather
A non-instrument rated pilot departed on a flight at approximately 2110 hours. Weather conditions at the time were marginal and deteriorating in the area. No record of a weather briefing was found for the pilot.
Return and Encounter
After about 1 hour and 20 minutes, for unknown reasons, the pilot was returning to the airport. The aircraft entered the Banning Pass from the east. In the pass, the pilot encountered ceilings of approximately 500 feet above ground level (AGL) and visibilities of 1 mile or less in fog and drizzle.
Communication and Intent
By the time the pilot contacted the Norton Air Force Base air traffic control tower, he was unable to clearly locate his position due to darkness and restricted visibility. The pilot transmitted, "We're having problems getting in VFR we're going to try to climb and get above this (weather)," indicating an intention to attempt an instrument climb through the clouds to find VFR conditions.
Witness Observations and Wreckage
Witnesses observed the aircraft enter the base of the clouds, then descend "straight down out of the clouds." Physical evidence at the site established that the aircraft contacted the ground in an attitude consistent with a right spin.