[Ol' Dan Tucker]

The helicopter was just 100 feet from the cloud tops and conceivably would have broken through into clear air in a matter of seconds. Air traffic controllers had advised Zobayan that the cloud tops were at 2,400 feet. Camera footage later reviewed by the NTSB showed nearby clouds at that estimated height.

Yeah, but then what?

They were on their way to Camarillo Airport, which is near to the coast. If the inland mountains where obscured by clouds, then Camarillo most certainly would also have been completely covered in marine layer fog.

He might have been able to punch through to clear air above, but would have been trapped on top with nowhere to go but back to SNA.

[moovova]

“He might have been able to punch through to clear air above, but would have been trapped on top with nowhere to go but back to SNA. “

Holy cow...another great point. So, the pilot screwed up the moment he entered the clouds...rather than turning around.