Incident Overview
On an unspecified date at about 1620, a flight was receiving VFR flight following through the Los Angeles Terminal Control Area (TCA). The flight was handed off to another sector controller and given a frequency change. The pilot acknowledged the instruction but did not contact the new sector controller, and no further radio communications were noted.
Flight Path and Radar Data
Recorded radar data indicates that the aircraft maintained a straight ground track at 5,500 feet during the handoff and frequency change assignment. At 1622:37, the altitude changed to 5,300 feet. Over the next 18 seconds, the altitude decreased to 3,100 feet at an average rate of descent of about 7,000 feet per minute. The last recorded radar position placed the aircraft over the Pacific Ocean, mid channel between the mainland and Catalina Island.
Aircraft and Fuel Information
There were no known maintenance discrepancies against the aircraft. The aircraft is estimated to have had about 34 gallons of fuel on board at the time.
Pilot Background
The pilot had been involved in an automobile accident one week earlier. He had reportedly fallen asleep while driving during that incident. Additionally, the pilot reportedly had 'very bad bruises on his body in the area of the seat belt and shoulder harness.'