# NTSB Accident SEA97FA043
> **Piper PA-28R** · 1997-01-06 · FORT SMITH, MT, USA · FATL
## Event
- **NTSB number:** SEA97FA043
- **Event ID:** 20001208X07355
- **Type:** Accident
- **Date:** 1997-01-06
- **Location:** FORT SMITH, MT, USA
- **Coordinates:** 45.240585, -107.930252
## Injuries
- **Highest injury:** FATL
- **Fatal:** 2
- **Serious:** 0
- **Minor:** 0
- **Uninjured:** 0
- **Total aboard:** 2
## Aircraft
- **Make:** Piper
- **Model:** PA-28R
- **Registration:** N3347Q
- **FAR Part:** 091
- **Engines:** 1
- **Damage:** DEST
## Conditions
- **Light:** NDRK
- **Weather:** VMC
## Probable cause

The pilot's failure to maintain clearance from terrain. Factors include the pilot inadvertently becoming lost/disoriented, the dark night (minimum ambient light), and mountainous/hilly terrain.

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*Source: [NTSB CAROL](https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-main-public/basic-search?source=ntsb&type=event&ntsb_number=SEA97FA043) · AI Analytics · CC0 1.0*