# NTSB Accident FTW97FA171
> **Piper PA-32RT-300T** · 1997-04-26 · RYE, CO, USA · FATL
## Event
- **NTSB number:** FTW97FA171
- **Event ID:** 20001208X07700
- **Type:** Accident
- **Date:** 1997-04-26
- **Location:** RYE, CO, USA
- **Coordinates:** 37.920532, -104.929336
## Injuries
- **Highest injury:** FATL
- **Fatal:** 3
- **Serious:** 0
- **Minor:** 0
- **Uninjured:** 0
- **Total aboard:** 3
## Aircraft
- **Make:** Piper
- **Model:** PA-32RT-300T
- **Registration:** N2225A
- **FAR Part:** 091
- **Engines:** 1
- **Damage:** DEST
## Conditions
- **Light:** DAYL
- **Weather:** IMC
## Probable cause

The pilot initiating flight into IMC conditions in mountainous terrain.  Factors were mountainous terrain, low ceiling, snow, preflight planning, and in-flight planning and decision making.

---
*Source: [NTSB CAROL](https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-main-public/basic-search?source=ntsb&type=event&ntsb_number=FTW97FA171) · AI Analytics · CC0 1.0*