What happened
The pilot had landed at Oceanside earlier in the day. During the day, the pilot noted that the aircraft's communication radio was inoperative, necessitating the use of a portable transceiver to communicate with Air Traffic Control (ATC). After departing the airport for dinner, the pilot expressed concern regarding the battery charge of the portable transceiver, as it had been left in the 'on' position.
At 2130, the pilot and his family returned to the airport via vehicle to prepare for departure. Before takeoff, the pilot contacted Flight Service Station (FSS) by telephone to obtain a weather briefing and to file a flight plan. Following takeoff, the pilot did not establish contact with ATC.
The wreckage was subsequently located in a canyon approximately one-half mile north of the airport. Evidence at the scene indicated that the aircraft struck a ridge while maintaining a heading of 080 degrees in a nose-down, right wing low attitude. This impact pattern is consistent with a course reversal occurring immediately after takeoff.