Preflight and Weather
Family members reported that the noninstrument-rated pilot obtained weather information from a commercial computer service (CompuServe) before the flight. However, no records were found to verify the completeness of the weather information he received. Forecast conditions along the route included clouds and rain, with mountain obscuration due to clouds, fog, and precipitation.
Flight and Radar Data
According to Mode C radar data, the airplane descended to about 200 feet above the ground as it entered Tehachapi Pass.
Witness Observations
Two ground witnesses reported seeing the airplane about 100 feet above and to the north side of the highway that traverses the pass. They could barely see the aircraft due to clouds and snow showers. Witnesses stated that the airplane began a left turn, and then the nose of the airplane pitched up as the wings continued into a steep bank. The aircraft then pitched nose down and crashed into the ground.