# NTSB Accident NYC98FA041
> **Piper PA-32-260** · 1997-12-12 · PITTSVILLE, MD, USA · FATL
## Event
- **NTSB number:** NYC98FA041
- **Event ID:** 20001208X09355
- **Type:** Accident
- **Date:** 1997-12-12
- **Location:** PITTSVILLE, MD, USA
- **Coordinates:** 38.390289, -75.410728
## Injuries
- **Highest injury:** FATL
- **Fatal:** 3
- **Serious:** 0
- **Minor:** 0
- **Uninjured:** 0
- **Total aboard:** 3
## Aircraft
- **Make:** Piper
- **Model:** PA-32-260
- **Registration:** N3448W
- **FAR Part:** 091
- **Engines:** 1
- **Damage:** DEST
## Conditions
- **Light:** NDRK
- **Weather:** IMC
## Probable cause

the pilot's impairment of judgment and performance due to alcohol, his resultant improper planning/decision and flight in instrument meteorological conditions (IMC), and his failure to maintain sufficient altitude while flying over wooded terrain.  Factors relating to the accident were: darkness, and the adverse weather conditions.

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*Source: [NTSB CAROL](https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-main-public/basic-search?source=ntsb&type=event&ntsb_number=NYC98FA041) · AI Analytics · CC0 1.0*