2 fatal · Mooney M20 · 1997-11-15 · BIG BEAR, CA, USA
Event
NTSB number
LAX98FA039
Event ID
20001208X09193
Type
Accident
Date
1997-11-15
Location
BIG BEAR, CA, USA
Coordinates
34.259422, -116.839866
Injuries
Highest injury
FATL
Fatal
2
Serious
0
Minor
0
Uninjured
0
Total aboard
2
Aircraft
Make
Mooney
Model
M20
Registration
N5231B
FAR Part
091
Engines
1
Damage
DEST
Conditions
Light
DAYL
Weather
IMC
Probable cause
VFR flight by the pilot into instrument meteorological conditions (VMC), which led to spatial disorientation, loss of aircraft control, and an uncontrolled descent into terrain. Related factors were: the adverse weather conditions, the pilot's lack of instrument experience, overconfidence of the pilot in his personal ability, and possible pilot distraction due to an unlatched baggage door, which was not properly secured during preflight.