Flight Details
A pilot holding a flight instructor certificate and a passenger with a private pilot certificate departed on an instrument flight plan toward a southerly destination. The passenger was employed by a television station, which had hired the pilot to fly him to Southern California for a photo assignment. The weather was clear, and the pilot canceled the flight plan en route, terminating all FAA services. The pilot had indicated an intention to fly via Victor Airway 23.
Deviation and Terrain Encounter
The aircraft proceeded approximately 23 nautical miles east of its intended course, approaching Mount Shasta, which has an elevation of 14,162 feet above mean sea level. Witnesses located at about the 6,700-foot level on the side of the mountain observed the airplane flying within about 40 feet of the tops of trees, heading toward rising terrain. The airplane appeared to reverse its course and then descend into terrain at an elevation between 7,600 and 7,800 feet MSL. A fire immediately started upon impact.
Investigation Findings
No mechanical malfunctions were found with the airplane during the post-accident examination.