# NTSB Accident LAX98FA106
> **Piper PA-31-350** · 1998-03-06 · NOVATO, CA, USA · FATL
## Event
- **NTSB number:** LAX98FA106
- **Event ID:** 20001211X09697
- **Type:** Accident
- **Date:** 1998-03-06
- **Location:** NOVATO, CA, USA
- **Coordinates:** 38.099254, -122.629096
## Injuries
- **Highest injury:** FATL
- **Fatal:** 1
- **Serious:** 0
- **Minor:** 0
- **Uninjured:** 0
- **Total aboard:** 1
## Aircraft
- **Make:** Piper
- **Model:** PA-31-350
- **Registration:** N257NW
- **FAR Part:** 091
- **Engines:** 2
- **Damage:** DEST
## Conditions
- **Light:** DUSK
- **Weather:** IMC
## Probable cause

the pilot's failure to maintain adequate terrain clearance after initiating a descent over mountainous terrain at night and under marginal VFR conditions.  The pilot's self-induced pressure to arrive at class with enough time remaining to take the final examination was a factor in the accident.

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*Source: [NTSB CAROL](https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-main-public/basic-search?source=ntsb&type=event&ntsb_number=LAX98FA106) · AI Analytics · CC0 1.0*