Accident Overview
The accident occurred in the vicinity of the Santa Paula, California airport. The pilot departed on the accident flight under visual meteorological conditions. Broken clouds were present with bases at 4,000 ft MSL and tops between 7,000 ft and 8,000 ft MSL, extending over the mountainous area north of the airport.
Flight Path
After departing the airport, the pilot flew north-northeast. The airplane failed to reach its intended destination, prompting an air search.
Wreckage Discovery
The airplane was found on August 10, 1990. Examination of the wreckage revealed that the airplane's left wing had struck the 4,100 ft level of a 4,200 ft mountain ridge. At the time of the impact, the airplane was turning left.
Mechanical Condition
There was no evidence of any airframe or engine failure or malfunction preceding the accident.