What happened
During a night approach to Los Angeles-Mines Field, the aircraft struck a mountain slope located approximately two miles northeast of Mt Strawberry. The impact site was situated roughly ten miles north of Altadena. The collision resulted in the destruction of the airframe and the death of all 11 occupants on board.
Findings
Investigations determined that the crew received incorrect information regarding wind components and direction prior to departing from Bakersfield-Meadows Field. This erroneous data led to a deviation from the prescribed flight path, prompting the crew to initiate descent while still above mountainous terrain north of Altadena. Under conditions of low visibility, the aircraft subsequently impacted the slope northeast of Mt Strawberry. The official conclusion identified the accident as a controlled flight into terrain.