Accident Overview
The airplane struck steep mountainous terrain while climbing after departure, approximately 5 miles southwest of the departure airport. The accident site was located within an area surrounded by mountain ridges ranging from 7,600 to 8,000 feet to the north, south, and east. To the west, a 6-mile-long lake terminated at a dam, followed by a descending valley.
Weather and Departure Route
Weather conditions at the time of the accident included clear skies with wind from the southwest at 6 knots. The pilot flew a southwestern departure route from the airport that crossed rugged mountainous terrain within 5 miles of the airport. This route was not the departure route recommended by the Big Bear City Airport. However, the pilot had previously recommended this same route to at least one other pilot he had flown with.
Findings
No preaccident anomalies were noted with the airplane or engine. The pilot misjudged the altitude required to cross the mountains and subsequently collided with terrain.
Toxicology Results
Toxicology laboratory results indicated that the pilot had been exposed to marijuana within the 10 hours prior to the flight. A medical analysis suggested that the pilot may have been somewhat impaired by the effects of marijuana, but it is unclear what role such impairment might have played in the decision making that set the stage for this accident.