# NTSB Accident LAX96FA078
> **Piper PA-31-350** · 1995-12-23 · SAN JOSE, CA, USA · FATL
## Event
- **NTSB number:** LAX96FA078
- **Event ID:** 20001207X05019
- **Type:** Accident
- **Date:** 1995-12-23
- **Location:** SAN JOSE, CA, USA
- **Coordinates:** 37.239398, -121.729484
## Injuries
- **Highest injury:** FATL
- **Fatal:** 2
- **Serious:** 0
- **Minor:** 0
- **Uninjured:** 0
- **Total aboard:** 2
## Aircraft
- **Make:** Piper
- **Model:** PA-31-350
- **Registration:** N27954
- **FAR Part:** 091
- **Engines:** 2
- **Damage:** DEST
## Conditions
- **Light:** NDRK
- **Weather:** Unk
## Probable cause

The failure of the air traffic controller to comply with instructions contained in the Air Traffic Control Handbook, FAA Order 7110.65, which resulted in the flight being vectored at an altitude below the minimum vectoring altitude (MVA) and failure to issue a safety advisory.  In addition, the controller's supervisor monitoring the controller's actions failed to detect and correct the vector below the MVA.  A factor in the accident was the flightcrew's failure to maintain situational awareness of nearby terrain and failure to challenge the controller's instructions.

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*Source: [NTSB CAROL](https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-main-public/basic-search?source=ntsb&type=event&ntsb_number=LAX96FA078) · AI Analytics · CC0 1.0*