What happened
On October 17, 2015, a Piper PA2 and 28R-180, registration N4972J, departed Palm Springs International Airport (PSP) for a flight to Santa Barbara Municipal Airport. The flight was part of a return trip following a visit to a museum in Palm Springs.
During the flight, the pilot requested VFR flight following and initially requested an altitude of 7,500 ft msl, later correcting to 5,500 ft msl. As the aircraft climbed, the pilot noted the need to reach 9,000 ft msl due to cloud formations. The aircraft performed a series of six climbing 360° turns, eventually reaching an altitude of 10,800 ft msl while heading west toward the San Gorgonio Mountain peak.
As the aircraft continued west, the air traffic controller warned the pilot of an 11,700 ft peak directly in the flight path. The aircraft then rapidly reversed course and descended to 9,700 ft msl. The pilot entered a spiraling descent, and when asked by the controller if the terrain was still in sight, the pilot responded, "Negative! Negative!". The aircraft continued to descend through 7,500 ft msl before impacting mountainous terrain. The 2 fatal injuries occurred as the aircraft was destroyed by the impact and subsequent fire.
The investigation
Investigators examined the wreckage and the aircraft's engine, finding that the engine was producing power at the time of impact. The propeller hub had separated from the crankshaft.
An examination of the pilot's medical and toxicology records revealed the presence of hydrocodone and quetiapine. The pilot had a history of managing PTSD and depression with psychotherapy and medication. Additionally, the investigation noted that the pilot was still gaining familiarity with a recently installed Garmin GTN 650 touchscreen GPS/Nav/Comm system.