What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1989-09-19 involved a Cessna 310K, registration N6958L, at Ojai, CA.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

THE PILOT-IN-COMMAND'S INTENTIONAL VFR FLIGHT INTO INSTRUMENT METEOROLOGICAL WEATHER CONDITIONS, AND HIS FAILURE TO MAINTAIN ADEQUATE ALTITUDE TO PROVIDE TERRAIN CLEARANCE. CONTRIBUTING FACTORS WERE: THE MOUNTAINOUS TERRAIN, ADVERSE WEATHER CONDITIONS, AND THE SECOND PILOT'S POSSIBLE REDUCED VISION DUE TO HIS VISION…

Low-Altitude Flight Over Highway in Obscured Conditions Precedes Accident (N6958L)

On September 19, 1989, a Cessna 310K (registration N6958L) was involved in an aviation accident near Ojai, CA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: THE PILOT-IN-COMMAND'S INTENTIONAL VFR FLIGHT INTO INSTRUMENT METEOROLOGICAL WEATHER CONDITIONS, AND HIS FAILURE TO MAINTAIN ADEQUATE ALTITUDE TO PROVIDE TERRAIN CLEARANCE. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.

A pilot received an abbreviated weather briefing including adverse conditions and VFR not recommended. Witnesses observed the airplane flying low over a highway, unable to clear an obscured ridge, in and out of clouds with rain showers. The right-seat pilot, an ATP, was taking glaucoma medication.

Pre-Flight Briefing

Prior to departure, the pilot received an abbreviated weather briefing in person from the Reno Flight Service Station. The briefing included adverse weather conditions and current weather for the planned route of flight. The pilot was also advised that visual flight rules (VFR) flight was not recommended.

Witness Observations

Witnesses observed the airplane flying over a highway at low altitude. They described the altitude as not high enough to clear a mountain ridge. The top of the ridge line was obscured, and the airplane was seen in and out of the bottom of the clouds. Rain showers were present in the area.

Pilot Information

The right-seat pilot held an Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) certificate. He was being treated for glaucoma and was using the prescription drug Isopto Carpine (pilocarpine). The danger of adverse reactions or side effects of this drug increases with the use of alcohol. The right-seat pilot was with a group that reported having a few cocktails the night before the accident.

Circumstances

The specific details regarding the aircraft type, registration, operator, date, location, occupants, injuries, and damage are not stated in the source. No determination of causal factors or analysis is provided.

1989-09-19: Cessna 310K (N6958L) — Ojai, CA