What happened
On a flight departing from Norton AFB in San Bernardino at 19:30 local time, an aircraft was en route to Long Beach with two pilots and three passengers on board. Approximately fifteen minutes into the flight, while operating in marginal weather conditions, the plane struck a mountain slope within the San Gabriel Mountains, situated north of Ontario.
Following the impact, search and rescue operations were initiated. These efforts continued for several days before being halted when no evidence of the wreckage or the occupants could be located. The debris was not discovered until June 12, 1952, in a remote, unpopulated region.
Findings
- The flight was operating under marginal weather conditions at the time of the accident.
- The aircraft was off its intended course during the cruise phase of the flight.