NTSB Factual Report

On October 11, 2003, about 0800 Pacific daylight time, a Luscombe 8F, N1918B, collided with terrain just after departure from the French Valley Airport (F70), Murrieta, California. The pilot/owner was operating the airplane under the provisions of 14 CFR Part 91. The private pilot was not injured; the airplane sustained substantial damage. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and no flight plan had been filed for the personal cross-country flight.

The NTSB investigator-in-charge (IIC) reviewed a copy of the Riverside County Sheriff's Department police report. The responding deputy interviewed the pilot. The pilot reported that he and his friend [in another airplane] were en route to Phoenix, Arizona. After takeoff the pilot decided to land because he had "a strange feeling about the flight." The pilot made a right turn to the south in an attempt to land to the north. During the turn, he saw a hill. He added power and attempted to turn to the right; however, the airplane impacted the hillside. Witnesses to the accident reported that dense fog conditions were present.

In a written statement, the pilot reported that when he departed, the sky was clear in his direction of flight. As he departed, a fog bank closed in and he attempted to return to the airport. While in the turn, the airplane impacted the ground. He noted that there were no mechanical malfunctions.

In a phone conversation, the pilot stated that his friend departed prior to him. His friend reported clear weather conditions. The pilot did not obtain a weather briefing prior to departure.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot's inadequate evaluation of the weather which resulted in VFR flight into IMC, and his failure to maintain terrain clearance. Fog and rising terrain were contributing factors.