Flight Departure and Weather Briefing
Three Luscombe aircraft departed together as a flight. One pilot obtained a weather briefing for the group, which advised against VFR flight due to mountain obscurement, turbulence, and icing conditions.
Decision to Assess the Pass
The two surviving pilots reported that the group decided to fly to Sonora Pass to assess whether weather conditions would permit crossing the mountains. One of the pilots was an air traffic control tower (ATCT) controller and a weather observer.
Encounter with Low Clouds
After the group arrived near the pass, the controller/pilot observed that the narrow canyon leading to the pass was obscured by low stratus clouds. He attempted to persuade the other pilots to return to Columbia and have breakfast while the weather cleared.
Accident Pilot's Action
The accident pilot radioed that he intended to enter the canyon to "check it out." The two surviving pilots watched as his aircraft disappeared into the canyon, flying beneath the low clouds. Shortly afterward, the pilot transmitted, "We have to get out of here."
Aftermath
No further transmissions were received from the accident pilot. The circumstances of the flight's conclusion are not detailed in the source.