Accident Sequence
The pilot received a telephone IFR clearance from Chino Tower and departed from Corona. After departure, the pilot contacted the Ontario TRACON departure controller. The controller instructed the pilot to reset the transponder, and the pilot complied. However, the pilot failed to acknowledge any further transmissions from the controller. The airplane crashed approximately one minute after this communication ceased.
Radar Data
Recorded radar data revealed that the airplane was in a climbing right turn during the initial contact with Ontario TRACON, reaching a maximum altitude of 1,500 feet MSL (1,000 feet AGL). Subsequently, the airplane's rate of turn increased and it began descending rapidly. The aircraft impacted the terrain in a nose-low, right-bank attitude, specifically 10 degrees nose low and 30 degrees right bank.
Investigation
The investigation did not disclose any preimpact malfunctions or failures of the airplane. No other contributing factors were identified in the official report.