2 fatal · SOCATA TB-21 · 2002-05-17 · New River, AZ, USA
Event
NTSB number
LAX02FA166
Event ID
20020531X00794
Type
Accident
Date
2002-05-17
Location
New River, AZ, USA
Coordinates
33.961112, -112.012779
Injuries
Highest injury
FATL
Fatal
2
Serious
0
Minor
0
Uninjured
0
Total aboard
2
Aircraft
Make
SOCATA
Model
TB-21
Registration
N328CG
FAR Part
091
Engines
1
Damage
DEST
Conditions
Light
NITE
Weather
VMC
Probable cause
the pilot's failure to maintain an adequate terrain clearance altitude during a cruise descent that resulted in controlled flight into terrain (CFIT). Factors in the accident were the rising mountainous terrain, the dark nighttime lighting condition, and the pilot's loss of situational awareness regarding terrain proximity.