# NTSB Accident LAX96FA226
> **Piper PA-32R-300** · 1996-06-07 · GOLETA, CA, USA · FATL
## Event
- **NTSB number:** LAX96FA226
- **Event ID:** 20001208X06017
- **Type:** Accident
- **Date:** 1996-06-07
- **Location:** GOLETA, CA, USA
- **Coordinates:** 34.499935, -120.119186
## Injuries
- **Highest injury:** FATL
- **Fatal:** 2
- **Serious:** 0
- **Minor:** 0
- **Uninjured:** 0
- **Total aboard:** 2
## Aircraft
- **Make:** Piper
- **Model:** PA-32R-300
- **Registration:** N4303X
- **FAR Part:** 091
- **Engines:** 1
- **Damage:** DEST
## Conditions
- **Light:** DAYL
- **Weather:** IMC
## Probable cause

failure of the flying pilot to maintain control of the airplane, due to spatial disorientation, which resulted in an uncontrolled descent and collision with the water.  Factors relating to the accident were: the lack of recent instrument experience by the flying pilot and the lack of monitoring (and/or remedial action) by the other pilot.

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*Source: [NTSB CAROL](https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-main-public/basic-search?source=ntsb&type=event&ntsb_number=LAX96FA226) · AI Analytics · CC0 1.0*