# NTSB Accident LAX97FA027
> **Piper PA-44-180** · 1996-10-28 · INDIO HILLS, CA, USA · FATL
## Event
- **NTSB number:** LAX97FA027
- **Event ID:** 20001208X06911
- **Type:** Accident
- **Date:** 1996-10-28
- **Location:** INDIO HILLS, CA, USA
- **Coordinates:** 33.829593, -116.290092
## Injuries
- **Highest injury:** FATL
- **Fatal:** 2
- **Serious:** 0
- **Minor:** 0
- **Uninjured:** 0
- **Total aboard:** 2
## Aircraft
- **Make:** Piper
- **Model:** PA-44-180
- **Registration:** N2157P
- **FAR Part:** 091
- **Engines:** 2
- **Damage:** DEST
## Conditions
- **Light:** NDRK
- **Weather:** VMC
## Probable cause

the pilot's spatial disorientation which led to a loss of aircraft control, and exceeding the aircraft's structural design limits after the aircraft had entered a descending spiral.  The pilot's lack of instrument flight currency and the dark night were factors in the accident.

---
*Source: [NTSB CAROL](https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-main-public/basic-search?source=ntsb&type=event&ntsb_number=LAX97FA027) · AI Analytics · CC0 1.0*