Accident Sequence
Two instrument-rated pilots departed for a planned 24-mile instrument flight. About five minutes after takeoff, one pilot contacted a radar controller and requested an instrument landing clearance. The controller cleared the airplane for an ILS runway 7 approach to Santa Barbara.
When the airplane was approximately 1 mile west of the final approach fix, it had descended to 1,500 feet. The published glide slope altitude for that fix was 1,774 feet. At 1042, while still inbound toward the final approach fix, the airplane reversed course, then proceeded westward and then northward. Radar data showed the airplane then descended through 1,100 feet on a northeasterly heading. A low-altitude alert alarm sounded in the ATC control room, and radar contact was subsequently lost. The pilots had not reported any abnormal condition with the airplane or equipment, nor was a safety advisory transmitted to the airplane.
Witness Observation
A witness observed the airplane emerge from clouds in a steep descent and impact the water at a high rate of speed. The witness estimated the visibility was 2 miles in fog.
Investigation Findings
Wreckage was recovered. An examination revealed no mechanical malfunction. A review of the pilots' logbooks and airplane utilization records indicated that neither pilot met the FAA instrument flight currency requirements.