# NTSB Accident CHI04FA044
> **Piper PA-32-260** · 2003-12-18 · Brooklyn, IA, USA · FATL
## Event
- **NTSB number:** CHI04FA044
- **Event ID:** 20031222X02073
- **Type:** Accident
- **Date:** 2003-12-18
- **Location:** Brooklyn, IA, USA
- **Coordinates:** 41.706665, -92.461669
## Injuries
- **Highest injury:** FATL
- **Fatal:** 4
- **Serious:** 0
- **Minor:** 0
- **Uninjured:** 0
- **Total aboard:** 4
## Aircraft
- **Make:** Piper
- **Model:** PA-32-260
- **Registration:** N3733W
- **FAR Part:** 091
- **Engines:** 1
- **Damage:** SUBS
## Conditions
- **Light:** NITE
- **Weather:** IMC
## Probable cause

The pilot's inadequate planning/decision resulting in VFR flight into IMC, and his failure to maintain terrain clearance resulting in in-flight collision with terrain.  Contributing factors to the accident were the pilot's lack of an instrument rating, his lack of recent night flying experience, the dark night, and the low ceilings.

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*Source: [NTSB CAROL](https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-main-public/basic-search?source=ntsb&type=event&ntsb_number=CHI04FA044) · AI Analytics · CC0 1.0*