Flight History
The airplane departed at 1939 Pacific time on a night cross-country flight. Radar data and ATC communications indicate the flight initially took a northerly heading toward a mountain range separating a coastal plain from an inland valley. The airplane paralleled an interstate highway and leveled off at 9,500 feet. Over a mountain pass with an elevation of 4,239 feet, the airplane diverted westward and climbed to 10,000 feet. The pilot contacted ATC at that altitude, requesting VFR flight following and an altitude of 10,500 feet.
Weather Information
AIRMETs had been issued for turbulence, icing, and mountain obscuration in the vicinity of the pilot's route of flight, valid from 1845 to 0100 Pacific time. There is no record that the pilot requested or received a weather briefing.
Pilot Communications
The pilot confirmed to ATC that he was diverting west for cloud avoidance. He then requested a descent to 8,500 feet, which ATC approved at pilot discretion, with an advisory to maintain VFR. As the airplane proceeded west, radar recorded the altitude decreasing through 9,000 feet at a descent rate of 1,100 feet per minute. The pilot continued descending and requested 4,500 feet. ATC advised the pilot that he was in the vicinity of high terrain. The pilot responded that he could see the ground but lacked good forward visibility and requested a vector to clearer weather. ATC recommended a northbound heading toward lower terrain, noting the pilot was below the minimum vectoring altitude, and reminded him to maintain VFR. The pilot acknowledged, stating he could see well enough and would take a northbound heading.
Terrain and Impact
The elevation of the mountainous terrain west of the pass ranges from 5,000 feet in the valley to peaks and ridges between 7,000 and 8,840 feet. The last radar beacon target reported an altitude of 7,100 feet. No further communications were established. The airplane impacted a mountain slope at an elevation of 6,683 feet on a heading of about 350 degrees magnetic.
Mechanical Examination
No preimpact airplane mechanical anomalies were identified during the investigation.