Accident Details
At approximately 0310 Pacific Daylight Time, a pilot and his wife departed Apple Valley Airport on a flight to Riverside, California. About ten minutes later, two truck drivers observed the aircraft flying at low altitude toward Cajon Pass, which has an elevation of 4,120 feet above mean sea level. The truck drivers subsequently saw the aircraft burst into flames as it crashed.
Weather Conditions
According to reports, the prevailing weather conditions at both Apple Valley and Riverside were visual meteorological conditions (VMC). However, the truck drivers stated that the weather at Cajon Pass was shrouded in fog and drizzle at the time of the accident.
Pilot Information
The pilot was not instrument rated. Friends of the pilot and his wife reported that the pilot was concerned about the weather, but his wife was anxious to return to Riverside.