# NTSB Accident CHI96FA045
> **Piper PA-28** · 1995-12-03 · FRIEDENS, PA, USA · FATL
## Event
- **NTSB number:** CHI96FA045
- **Event ID:** 20001207X04963
- **Type:** Accident
- **Date:** 1995-12-03
- **Location:** FRIEDENS, PA, USA
- **Coordinates:** 40.039844, -78.999336
## Injuries
- **Highest injury:** FATL
- **Fatal:** 1
- **Serious:** 0
- **Minor:** 0
- **Uninjured:** 0
- **Total aboard:** 1
## Aircraft
- **Make:** Piper
- **Model:** PA-28
- **Registration:** N8775W
- **FAR Part:** 091
- **Engines:** 1
- **Damage:** DEST
## Conditions
- **Light:** NDRK
- **Weather:** IMC
## Probable cause

the pilot's failure to follow instrument approach procedures, by not maintaining proper altitude and by descending below the minimum descent altitude.  Factors relating to the accident were: the air traffic controller's failure to issue a proper clearance, the dark night, clouds, and mountainous terrain.

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*Source: [NTSB CAROL](https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-main-public/basic-search?source=ntsb&type=event&ntsb_number=CHI96FA045) · AI Analytics · CC0 1.0*