# NTSB Accident LAX98LA172
> **Piper PA-28-161** · 1998-05-23 · HALF MOON BAY, CA, USA · FATL
## Event
- **NTSB number:** LAX98LA172
- **Event ID:** 20001211X10137
- **Type:** Accident
- **Date:** 1998-05-23
- **Location:** HALF MOON BAY, CA, USA
- **Coordinates:** 37.439853, -122.410316
## Injuries
- **Highest injury:** FATL
- **Fatal:** 4
- **Serious:** 0
- **Minor:** 0
- **Uninjured:** 0
- **Total aboard:** 4
## Aircraft
- **Make:** Piper
- **Model:** PA-28-161
- **Registration:** N2480Q
- **FAR Part:** 091
- **Engines:** 1
- **Damage:** DEST
## Conditions
- **Light:** NDRK
- **Weather:** VMC
## Probable cause

The non-instrument rated pilot's loss of aircraft control due to spatial disorientation in dark night conditions.

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*Source: [NTSB CAROL](https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-main-public/basic-search?source=ntsb&type=event&ntsb_number=LAX98LA172) · AI Analytics · CC0 1.0*