# NTSB Accident LAX03LA276
> **Mooney M20K** · 2003-09-02 · Novato, CA, USA · NONE
## Event
- **NTSB number:** LAX03LA276
- **Event ID:** 20030909X01499
- **Type:** Accident
- **Date:** 2003-09-02
- **Location:** Novato, CA, USA
- **Coordinates:** 38.133335, -122.560279
## Injuries
- **Highest injury:** NONE
- **Fatal:** 0
- **Serious:** 0
- **Minor:** 0
- **Uninjured:** 1
- **Total aboard:** 1
## Aircraft
- **Make:** Mooney
- **Model:** M20K
- **Registration:** N252AK
- **FAR Part:** 091
- **Engines:** 1
- **Damage:** SUBS
## Conditions
- **Light:** DAWN
- **Weather:** VMC
## Probable cause

The pilot's decision to attempt VFR flight into instrument meteorological conditions during the dark early morning takeoff, which resulted in spatial disorientation and lead to a collision with trees off the departure end of the runway.

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*Source: [NTSB CAROL](https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-main-public/basic-search?source=ntsb&type=event&ntsb_number=LAX03LA276) · AI Analytics · CC0 1.0*