Redlands

Before takeoff, pilot was advised of IFR conditions along 1st part of route, with flight predictions for occasional moderate turbulences below 15,000 feet and mixed icing from freezing level (6,000 feet) to 18,000 feet. He filed IFR flight plan with cruise altitude of 11,000 feet. During departure, pilot was cleared to climb to 9,000 feet and told to expect clearance to 11,000 feet 5 minutes later. Radar data showed aircraft climbed at about 1,500 feet/minute and 100 knots, slowing slightly above 8,000 feet. At abt 9,000 feet, aircraft started to level and accelerate. It then climbed momentarily, deviated laterally from course and entered steep descent. Inflight breakup occurred and wreckage was scattered over 4,100 feet area. Trajectory study showed breakup occurred between 4,500 feet and 6,500 feet as aircraft was in steep descent in excess of 266 knots. Metallurgical examination of wings and stabilizers revealed features typical of overstress separation; no pre-existing cracks or defects were found. The aircraft was recently purchased. Pilot's son indicated principal problem was 'twenty year leap in technology' from previously owned PA-24, that pilot had difficulty with avionics and flight director/autopilot, and that he lacked detail training in autopilot emergencies. Both occupants were killed.

The airport is next to Norton AFB. The weather on the dark moonless night was 1 mile visibility in fog and haze. The pilot completed an ILS to a low approach at Norton and received a special VFR clearance to proceed to Redlands. The circling MDA for Norton is 1,700 feet msl. Norton AFB elevation is 1,100 feet msl, and the Redlands Airport elevation is 1,572 feet msl. The circling MDA for Norton is 138 feet above the Redlands Airport elevation. The recorded radar data showed that the flight descended to 1,800 feet on the ILS, then the mode C varied between 1,700 and 1,600 feet. The last radar return was about 1 mile from the Redlands Airport at 1,600 feet msl. A witness on the airport saw the aircraft fly over runway 08 in a south to north direction, 'low and fast.' The witness heard the crash sounds immediately thereafter. Evidence at the accident site revealed the aircraft left wing contacted the ground in a 42° left bank in a slight nose down attitude. Few ground reference lights exist in the area and the pilot had minimum total night time. Both occupants were killed.