# NTSB Accident LAX98FA050
> **Mooney M20J** · 1997-12-03 · SEDONA, AZ, USA · FATL
## Event
- **NTSB number:** LAX98FA050
- **Event ID:** 20001208X09325
- **Type:** Accident
- **Date:** 1997-12-03
- **Location:** SEDONA, AZ, USA
## Injuries
- **Highest injury:** FATL
- **Fatal:** 2
- **Serious:** 0
- **Minor:** 0
- **Uninjured:** 0
- **Total aboard:** 2
## Aircraft
- **Make:** Mooney
- **Model:** M20J
- **Registration:** N301JL
- **FAR Part:** 091
- **Engines:** 1
- **Damage:** DEST
## Conditions
- **Light:** NDRK
- **Weather:** VMC
## Probable cause

the failure of the pilot to maintain adequate terrain clearance during the climb.  Contributing factors were dark night conditions, mountainous/hilly terrain, and mountain wave weather conditions.

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*Source: [NTSB CAROL](https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-main-public/basic-search?source=ntsb&type=event&ntsb_number=LAX98FA050) · AI Analytics · CC0 1.0*