dave j wrote:
Angry, I think because it is so senseless and needless. It's upseting
to see people killing their families in stupid ways. I don't know what
it is about the hills around gilroy, but they seem to be magnets for
airplanes.

A couple of years ago, a CFI and Commercial student hit the hills in similar
conditions although it was day time. Scud ran all the way from RHV along
Hwy 101 below 500' in a Commander and then ran into the hills when they
tried to get through next to the reservoir near Hollister (heading into the
valley).


On the other hand, I might disagree with Hilton about whether the time
and type/age of the AC made for unacceptable risk factors for family
flying in and of themselves. If the pilot was skilled for IMC and the
plane was properly equipped and maintained, I don't have a problem with
it.

The database lists the owner with no IFR rating, only ASEL. Disclaimer:
Might not have been the owner flying, might have got his IR recently, etc
etc etc.


There is, of course, the old single-engine-night-imc worry of
engine failure, but I'd bet $0.50 that this plane augured in with
cruise power. (that's purely speculation, of course, but I'd bet $0.50)

Reports of 'aerobatics' probably imply a spin, which in turn probably
implies disorientation, which probably implies a stupid VFR into IMC flight
at night. Obviously, yes, we'll have to wait for the final report, but
unfortunately with most accidents, just the names and faces change.

Hilton