Accident Overview
The accident occurred during the descent phase of an on-demand air taxi passenger flight destined for Santa Ana, California. The aircraft collided with a mountain at an elevation of 2,060 feet msl. All 10 occupants on board were killed, and the aircraft disintegrated on impact.
Background
The pilot had received a preflight weather briefing before departure. During this briefing, he was advised of low ceilings and reduced visibility in the Los Angeles basin. Additionally, the surrounding mountains were reported to be obscured by clouds, and visual flight rules (VFR) flight to Santa Ana was not recommended. Despite this advisory, the pilot departed under VFR.
Weather Conditions
While en route, the pilot was advised that the destination airport (Santa Ana) was reporting an overcast ceiling at 1,400 feet with 5 miles visibility. A videotape recorded by a passenger showed mountain peaks protruding through a solid cloud layer and depicted the aircraft descending into the clouds. Witnesses near the crash site described a low cloud ceiling, with cloud tops estimated at 5,000 feet.
Wreckage Examination
Examination of the wreckage revealed evidence that the aircraft was in powered flight at the time of impact. No evidence of preimpact control malfunction or engine failure was found.
Pilot Information
Records indicated that the pilot had encountered instrument meteorological conditions (IMC) on only one flight in the previous 9 months. He served as the director of operations for the operator.
Probable Cause and Contributing Factors
The official probable cause of the accident was the pilot's failure to properly preflight and plan for the flight, and his intentional flight into IMC conditions. Factors contributing to the accident were the low ceiling conditions in conjunction with the mountainous terrain.