# NTSB Accident FTW03FA055
> **Cessna 421C** · 2002-12-04 · Tajique, NM, USA · FATL
## Event
- **NTSB number:** FTW03FA055
- **Event ID:** 20021212X05597
- **Type:** Accident
- **Date:** 2002-12-04
- **Location:** Tajique, NM, USA
- **Coordinates:** 34.754346, -106.28708
## Injuries
- **Highest injury:** FATL
- **Fatal:** 1
- **Serious:** 0
- **Minor:** 0
- **Uninjured:** 0
- **Total aboard:** 1
## Aircraft
- **Make:** Cessna
- **Model:** 421C
- **Registration:** N3855C
- **FAR Part:** 135
- **Engines:** 2
- **Damage:** DEST
## Conditions
- **Light:** NDRK
- **Weather:** VMC
## Probable cause

The pilot's failure to maintain terrain clearance.  Factors contributing to the accident were the high mountains, mountain obscuration, the dark night condition, and the pilot's improper in-flight planning/decision making.

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*Source: [NTSB CAROL](https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-main-public/basic-search?source=ntsb&type=event&ntsb_number=FTW03FA055) · AI Analytics · CC0 1.0*