Accident Overview
During a descent to Santa Barbara Airport, the aircraft encountered low visibility due to nighttime conditions and marginal weather. At an altitude of 2,740 feet, the aircraft collided with the slope of Mount Santa Ynez, located near the Refugio Pass. The impact caused the aircraft to disintegrate, resulting in the deaths of all 22 occupants.
Flight Plan and Route
The flight plan specified a visual flight rules (VFR) operation at an altitude of 4,000 feet between Santa Maria and Santa Barbara, with a course of 123 degrees. However, the aircraft crashed at an approximate altitude of 2,740 feet while on a course of approximately 117 degrees, in instrument weather conditions.
Probable Cause
The official investigation determined that the probable cause of the accident was the failure of the flight crew, for undetermined reasons, to maintain the specified minimum en route night altitude of 4,000 feet for the route being flown.