Accident
During cruise at relatively low altitude in poor weather, a single-engine airplane struck the ground and crashed in an uninhabited area near Riverside. The aircraft was destroyed on impact, and all six occupants were killed.
Investigation
Investigators determined the probable cause of the accident was controlled flight into terrain during normal cruise after the pilot continued visual flight rules (VFR) flight into adverse weather conditions.
Contributing Factors
Official findings reported the following contributing factors: improper in-flight decisions, unwarranted low flying, low ceiling, fog, and a VFR flight plan that was filed but not opened.
Meanwhile, specific details about the aircraft, such as its type, registration, and engine model, were not disclosed in the initial report. The location was described as near Riverside, and the flight was operating under VFR. No information about the flight's origin or destination was provided.