# NTSB Accident LAX93FA068
> **CESSNA 172M** · 1992-12-17 · LAIE, HI, USA · FATL
## Event
- **NTSB number:** LAX93FA068
- **Event ID:** 20001211X16172
- **Type:** Accident
- **Date:** 1992-12-17
- **Location:** LAIE, HI, USA
- **Coordinates:** 21.639583, -157.919769
## Injuries
- **Highest injury:** FATL
- **Fatal:** 3
- **Serious:** 0
- **Minor:** 0
- **Uninjured:** 0
- **Total aboard:** 3
## Aircraft
- **Make:** CESSNA
- **Model:** 172M
- **Registration:** N1169U
- **FAR Part:** 091
- **Engines:** 1
- **Damage:** DEST
## Conditions
- **Light:** NDRK
- **Weather:** Unk
## Probable cause

THE PILOT'S INADVERTENT FLIGHT INTO A MOUNTAINOUS AREA WHERE HE LOST VISUAL REFERENCE TO ILLUMINATED GROUND FEATURES WHICH RESULTED IN HIS BECOMING DISORIENTED.  FACTORS WHICH CONTRIBUTED TO THE ACCIDENT WERE: 1) THE DARK SKY AND LOW CLOUD CONDITIONS;  2) THE PILOT'S FAILURE TO OBTAIN A COMPLETE WEATHER BRIEFING PRIOR TO TAKE OFF;  3) HIS IMPROPER WEATHER EVALUATION;  4) HIS INEXPERIENCE FLYING AT NIGHT;  AND 5) THE USAF'S CLEARING AUTHORITY PERSONNEL'S FAILURE TO ADHERE TO ESTABLISHED WRITTEN PROCEDURES WHICH BARRED INEXPERIENCED PILOTS FROM BEING DISPATCHED WITH THE INTENT OF PERFORMING NIGHTTIME CROSS COUNTRY FLIGHTS.

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*Source: [NTSB CAROL](https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-main-public/basic-search?source=ntsb&type=event&ntsb_number=LAX93FA068) · AI Analytics · CC0 1.0*