Accident Overview
At approximately 0430 Pacific Daylight Time, a non-instrument rated pilot departed Cameron Park, California, on a flight to Elko, Nevada, where he was scheduled to report to work between 0700 and 0730. While en route, the aircraft crashed on nearly level terrain near the base of a mountain at an elevation of about 4,800 feet. Impact occurred at dawn.
Wreckage Examination
Examination of the wreckage revealed that the aircraft impacted at high speed in a left wing low, nose low attitude. No preimpact part failure or malfunction of the aircraft or engine was found.
Weather Conditions
A weather study indicated that clouds existed in the area from 6,000 feet to 15,000 feet mean sea level (MSL), with weather cells moving from southwest to northeast. Approximately 35 miles west-southwest of Reno (elevation 4,412 feet), weather conditions were reported as: 1,000 feet scattered, 3,200 feet overcast, visibility 8 miles, wind from 290 degrees at 6 knots.
Radar Data
Radar data showed that just before impact, the aircraft's altitude varied from 12,500 feet MSL to 8,300 feet MSL, with a descent rate of up to 2,900 feet per minute.
Pilot and Flight Information
The pilot was not instrument rated. No record of a weather briefing was found.