# NTSB Accident LAX98FA039
> **Mooney M20** · 1997-11-15 · BIG BEAR, CA, USA · FATL
## 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.

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*Source: [NTSB CAROL](https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-main-public/basic-search?source=ntsb&type=event&ntsb_number=LAX98FA039) · AI Analytics · CC0 1.0*