Accident Details
A general aviation airplane on a cross-country flight from Reno, Nevada, to Petaluma, California, collided with rising terrain during arrival. The accident occurred on a bright moonlit night about 4 miles southeast of Petaluma Airport at an elevation of approximately 400 feet mean sea level (MSL).
Weather Conditions
At Sonoma County Airport, located about 25 miles northwest of Petaluma, the recorded weather at 2340 PDT included a 400-foot overcast ceiling, 10 miles visibility, and wind from 140 degrees at 5 knots. A commercial pilot reported that earlier that evening, cloud bases at Petaluma were between 300 and 400 feet above ground level (AGL). The following morning, cloud bases remained around 400 feet AGL.
Aircraft Equipment
The airplane was equipped with dual VOR navigation receivers and LORAN. A portable GPS receiver was also onboard. The airport featured a VOR approach for Runway 29, with a minimum descent altitude (MDA) of 1,080 feet MSL. However, the flight was operating without a filed flight plan or air traffic control clearance.
Pilot Information
The owner-pilot was not instrument rated. Another pilot aboard held a private pilot certificate with an instrument rating. The investigation was unable to determine which pilot was flying the airplane at the time of the accident.
Investigation Findings
No preimpact part failure or malfunction of the airplane was found. The investigation did not determine a probable cause.