Flight and Weather Conditions
The pilot, who was not instrument-rated, was familiar with the Los Angeles basin area. Weather was overcast with tops reported in excess of 5,600 feet. The pilot was receiving radar flight following service while descending in a southerly direction toward his destination. He informed the controller that he was "looking for a hole" and requested a special VFR clearance through the clouds, which was denied.
Descent and Communications
Upon reaching 6,000 feet, the pilot headed toward the ocean and told the controller he observed a "little hole." He requested the controller monitor his progress "in case I do have to go in." The controller advised the pilot to maintain VFR. The pilot continued descending, reporting that it was hazy, he was still VFR, and he thought he could make it.
Loss of Radar Contact
At 1211:47, the controller informed the pilot that radar coverage would be lost because the airplane was descending below the mountain range. The pilot acknowledged at 1211:55. Radar data at that moment showed the airplane descending through about 2,700 feet, with a ground speed of 163 knots and tracking 103 degrees toward the airport. Thirteen seconds later, radar contact was lost.
Impact
The airplane impacted the mountainside at an elevation of 2,440 feet, on a bearing of 101 degrees and 10 miles from Santa Monica. The impact occurred in a nearly level, 20-degree banked turn. A patrolling sheriff's officer indicated that at the time, clouds obscured the mountainside.