Night Training Mission Ends in Fatal Terrain Impact Near Pearblossom (53-3195)

Incident Overview and Location Details The aircraft was conducting a night training mission that originated from March Air Force Base in Riverside. During the flight, the crew was cruising at an altitude of 8,000 feet in stormy weather conditions. The airplane subsequently struck tree tops and impacted the north slope of Mt Pallett, which is situated 8.4 miles south of Pearblossom. The crash occurred just below the ridge, scattering wreckage on both sides of the terrain feature. ## Casualties and Crew Identification All four crew members aboard the aircraft were killed in the accident. The individuals identified in the source material are Major Elvin Estes, Captain Norman Gassman, Captain Raymond Miller, and Staff Sergeant Roger DuCharime. ## Official Investigation Findings The official investigation determined that the probable cause of the accident was controlled flight into terrain. The source does not provide additional details regarding the specific aircraft type, registration, exact date, or operator beyond the information stated above.