# NTSB Accident LAX02FA166
> **SOCATA TB-21** · 2002-05-17 · New River, AZ, USA · FATL
## 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.

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*Source: [NTSB CAROL](https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-main-public/basic-search?source=ntsb&type=event&ntsb_number=LAX02FA166) · AI Analytics · CC0 1.0*