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Crash of a Cessna 340A near Julian: 2 killed

Date & Time: Oct 26, 2000 at 1058 LT
Type of aircraft:
Operator:
Registration:
N4347C
Flight Phase:
Survivors:
No
Site:
Schedule:
Santa Ana – Calexico
MSN:
340A-0538
YOM:
1978
Crew on board:
2
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
0
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
2
Captain / Total flying hours:
20000
Captain / Total hours on type:
180.00
Copilot / Total flying hours:
338
Aircraft flight hours:
3182
Circumstances:
During en route cruise flight at an assigned altitude of 11,000 feet (msl) in instrument meteorological conditions, the airplane impacted mountainous terrain at 5,300 feet, in wings level, descending flight. During the final 12 minutes of the flight (from 1046 to 1058 Pacific daylight time), recorded military search radar height values (primary radar returns) show the aircraft in a steady descent from 11,000 feet to 5,600 feet, where radar contact was lost. During the same time interval, recorded Mode C altitudes received at Los Angeles Air Traffic Control Center (Center) and SoCal Terminal Radar Approach Control (TRACON) indicated the aircraft was level at 11,000 feet. At 1055:49, when the pilot was handed off from SoCal TRACON to Los Angeles Center, the pilot checked in with the Center ". . . level at one one thousand." At 1057:28, the pilot asked the Center controller "what altitude you showing us at" to which the controller responded "not receiving your mode C right now sir." At 1057:37, the pilot transmitted "o k we'd like to climb to vfr on top, our uh altimeter just went down to uh fifty three hundred." The controller approved the pilot's request to climb to VFR conditions on-top and, at 1057:54, the pilot responded "roger we're out." No further transmissions were received from the aircraft. The airplane was equipped with a single instrument static pressure system with two heated static ports. The static system and static system instruments were damaged or destroyed by impact and post-crash fire sufficiently to preclude post-accident testing.
Probable cause:
Total blockage of the instrument static system due to ice.
Final Report:

Crash of a Rockwell Aero Commander 520 in Santee: 2 killed

Date & Time: Jun 7, 1974 at 1118 LT
Registration:
N719Z
Flight Phase:
Flight Type:
Survivors:
No
Schedule:
Santee - Calexico
MSN:
520-41
YOM:
1953
Crew on board:
1
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
1
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
2
Captain / Total flying hours:
2000
Circumstances:
Shortly after takeoff from Santee-Gillespie Field, while climbing, the twin engine airplane flew into clouds. The pilot lost control of the airplane that entered a dive and crashed in flames. Both occupants were killed.
Probable cause:
The pilot continued VFR into adverse weather conditions when he suffered a spatial disorientation. The following factors were reported:
- Low ceiling.
Final Report:

Crash of a De Havilland DH.4 in Calexico

Date & Time: Oct 21, 1919
Type of aircraft:
Operator:
Registration:
AS-32333
Flight Phase:
Flight Type:
Crew on board:
1
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
0
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
0
Circumstances:
The aircraft crashed shortly after takeoff following an engine failure. Crew fate unknown.
Probable cause:
Engine failure.